INEC Seeks Increased Funding, Enhanced Staff Welfare Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for increased and sustained funding, improved staff welfare, and greater investment in electoral infrastructure as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday, saying the engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two federal institutions.

Amupitan said the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities extend beyond the conduct of presidential, governorship and legislative elections to include continuous voter registration, political party registration, and the management of pre-election and post-election matters.

He noted that the financial demands of conducting elections have continued to rise, revealing that governorship elections now cost more than the combined expenses of presidential and National Assembly elections. He added that INEC also bears the cost of election petitions arising from party primaries and other electoral processes.

The INEC Chairman said the Commission operates offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the 774 local government areas, making adequate and predictable funding essential for the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate.

He also called for improved salaries and welfare packages for INEC personnel, warning that poor remuneration has contributed to the departure of experienced staff, while the imminent retirement of many senior officials could further widen the institution’s skills gap.

According to him, investing in staff development, electoral technology, and critical infrastructure is necessary to preserve institutional knowledge, improve operational efficiency, and sustain public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections, announcing that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.

He also disclosed that the Commission will conduct the Osun State governorship election on August 15, 2026, adding that the recent Ekiti governorship election and several bye-elections received positive assessments from domestic and international observers.

Responding, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu praised INEC for its consistent role in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic process since 1999 and acknowledged the enormous operational demands placed on the electoral body.

He assured the Commission of RMAFC’s continued support and pledged closer collaboration to help INEC deliver credible elections and strengthen democratic governance in the country.