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

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has appealed to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for increased and predictable funding to strengthen the electoral body's operations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja, describing the meeting as part of efforts to deepen collaboration between the two federal agencies.

He said INEC's constitutional responsibilities include conducting elections for the President, Vice President, National Assembly, state governors, state Houses of Assembly and the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils, as well as continuous voter registration and the registration of political parties.

The INEC chairman said the commission also shoulders the financial burden of pre-election and post-election activities, including litigation arising from party primaries. 

He noted that governorship elections alone cost more to conduct than the combined presidential and National Assembly elections.

Amupitan said INEC operates offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government funding the commission's nationwide operations.

He also called for improved welfare packages for INEC staff, warning that inadequate remuneration has contributed to the loss of experienced personnel through migration and could widen the commission's skills gap as more workers approach retirement.

According to him, better pay and welfare would improve staff morale, help retain skilled employees and strengthen public confidence in the commission's ability to conduct credible elections.

The INEC chairman further requested increased investment in infrastructure, electoral technology and staff training, saying these are essential for preserving institutional knowledge and improving election management.

He reaffirmed INEC's commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections, noting that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for Jan. 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections will hold on Feb. 6, 2027.

Amupitan also announced that the commission will conduct the Osun State governorship election on Aug. 15, 2026, and said the recent Ekiti governorship election and bye-elections in other states received commendation locally and internationally.

Responding, RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Bello Shehu praised INEC's consistency in conducting elections since 1999 and pledged the commission's support in ensuring credible elections in 2027.

Shehu acknowledged the scale of INEC's responsibilities across the country and assured the electoral commission of continued collaboration to support its constitutional mandate.