The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented a major funding proposal to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, outlining its financial needs ahead of the 2027 general elections and for routine operations in the 2026 fiscal year.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan told lawmakers that the commission requires ₦873.78 billion to effectively conduct the 2027 polls, a significant increase compared with funding for past elections. This figure was submitted alongside a ₦171 billion proposal for INEC’s regular activities in 2026, which include by-elections, off-cycle polls and preparatory work leading up to 2027.
According to details disclosed during the presentation, the 2027 election estimate was prepared in compliance with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates that election budgets be tabled at least one year before a general election.
The budget for the 2027 general election is structured to reflect INEC’s operational and administrative needs. A substantial portion of the funds is set aside to strengthen technology infrastructure, which the commission says is critical for enhancing transparency and efficiency, while other allocations will support logistics, staff deployment and nationwide election coordination.
Prof. Amupitan also highlighted the challenges posed by the current envelope budgeting system, saying it limits INEC’s ability to access funds flexibly and quickly, which is often necessary for election-related work. He called for more predictable funding arrangements to avoid disruptions in planning and implementation.
INEC’s proposed ₦171 billion budget for 2026 covers personnel costs, overheads and other operational expenses. The Federal Ministry of Finance had earlier set a spending ceiling of around ₦140 billion for the commission’s 2026 budget, a figure the commission has described as insufficient to support its mandate.
Lawmakers’ response to the funding request has been mixed. Some legislators have backed calls for INEC’s allocation to be placed on first-line charge, a constitutional mechanism that ensures priority release of funds for critical government functions to enable early planning for the 2027 polls. Other members have emphasised the need for closer scrutiny of specific expenditure lines.
The National Assembly will now review the submissions as part of its broader budget negotiations, with INEC seeking full and timely appropriations to guarantee the success of the next general election cycle.
