Ekiti, Osun Polls at Risk as INEC Yet to Receive Funds

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to receive funds for the conduct of the upcoming Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, raising fresh concerns over the preparedness of the electoral body ahead of the off cycle polls.

With barely ten weeks to the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State and about four months to the Osun poll, stakeholders have warned that the delay in fund disbursement could disrupt planning and affect the credibility of the elections.

Findings indicate that although provisions for the elections were captured in the 2026 fiscal budget, no funds had been released to INEC as of March 29, 2026. This has triggered fears among election observers, civil society organisations and political actors, who argue that delayed funding has historically contributed to logistical failures, operational setbacks and technological glitches during elections in Nigeria.

Under the Electoral Act 2026, funds meant for elections are expected to be released well ahead of time to allow for proper planning. Stakeholders insist that early disbursement is critical, especially as INEC prepares for both off cycle elections and the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, had earlier presented a proposed budget of ₦873.78 billion for the 2027 general elections, separate from the Commission’s ₦171 billion allocation for 2026 operations, which includes the Ekiti and Osun polls. However, insiders say uncertainty persists over the actual amount that will eventually be released.

Sources within the Commission revealed that contingency plans are already being considered, with some timelines quietly under review due to funding uncertainties.

According to one official, procurement processes for election materials require months of preparation, warning that delays could force the Commission to cut corners.

“There is concern not just about how much is approved, but when the funds will be released,” the source said, noting that the budget approval process itself remains unclear.

Experts have also pointed to Nigeria’s current economic realities as an added challenge. Rising inflation, fluctuating fuel prices and exchange rate instability are expected to significantly increase the cost of election logistics, procurement and technology deployment.

Election stakeholders, including civil society groups, have warned that funding gaps could undermine recent gains in electoral reforms. They stress that beyond legal frameworks and technological tools, adequate and timely funding remains central to credible elections.

Opposition parties have also raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of election funds, insisting that Nigerians deserve clarity on how such large budgets will be spent.

Analysts caution that if funding delays persist, the consequences could include late deployment of materials, inadequate training of ad hoc staff, technical failures and declining voter confidence.

With multiple pressures including inflation, rising logistics costs and security concerns converging, experts say INEC faces a challenging path ahead.

They are urging the Federal Government to prioritise early and full release of funds, ensure flexible budgeting that reflects economic realities and strengthen oversight mechanisms to build public trust.

As preparations continue, observers warn that while Nigeria aims to deliver credible, transparent and technology driven elections in 2027, achieving that goal will depend largely on timely access to adequate resources.