INEC Requests for Increased Funding, Better Staff Welfare Ahead of 2027 General Elections
Oru LeonardÂ
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has appealed for improved and sustained funding as well as enhanced staff welfare to strengthen the Commission’s capacity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday, Prof. Amupitan said adequate financial support was critical to enabling INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
He explained that the Commission is responsible for conducting elections for the President, Vice President, National Assembly, State Governors, State Houses of Assembly and the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, in addition to continuous voter registration and the registration of political parties.
According to the INEC Chairman, governorship elections are more expensive to conduct than the combined Presidential and National Assembly elections, while the Commission also shoulders the costs associated with pre-election and post-election matters, including litigation arising from party primaries.
Prof. Amupitan noted that INEC operates offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the country’s 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government funding the Commission’s nationwide operations.
He stressed the need for improved remuneration and welfare packages to retain experienced personnel, revealing that the Commission has lost skilled staff to migration due to inadequate compensation. He warned that the situation could worsen as more experienced officers approach retirement, creating a significant skills gap.
The INEC Chairman also called for increased investment in electoral infrastructure, technology and staff training, describing them as essential for preserving institutional knowledge and improving the credibility of elections.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections, Prof. Amupitan announced 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 further disclosed that INEC will conduct the Osun State off-cycle governorship election on August 15, 2026, adding that the Commission’s recent governorship election in Ekiti State and several bye-elections had received commendation from both local and international observers.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, commended INEC for its consistency in conducting elections since 1999 and pledged the Commission’s support in ensuring the successful delivery of credible elections in 2027.
He acknowledged the enormous scope of INEC’s nationwide responsibilities and assured the Commission of RMAFC’s continued collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
The INEC delegation included National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, technical aides and directors, while the RMAFC Chairman received them alongside the Commission’s Vice Chairman, Commissioners and senior management officials.
