INEC Proposes ₦873.8bn for 2027 General Election, Defends 2026 Budget Before NASS

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of ₦873.778 billion for the conduct of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while presenting the Commission’s 2026 budget estimates and projections for the 2027 polls before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.

He clarified that the ₦873.778 billion election budget is separate from the Commission’s proposed ₦171 billion operational budget for 2026, which is intended to cover routine activities, including off-cycle elections and by-elections.

According to the INEC chairman, the projected cost for the 2027 polls does not include a fresh request from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which is seeking an upward review of allowances for corps members deployed as ad-hoc staff during elections.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Lalong, assured the Commission of the National Assembly’s support, pledging collaboration to ensure the successful conduct of the 2027 general election.

Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Bayo Balogun, promised legislative backing for INEC but cautioned the Commission against making commitments it may be unable to fulfil.

The lawmakers reiterated the importance of adequate planning, transparency and accountability in election funding as preparations gradually begin for the next general election cycle.