INEC Appeals for Increased Funding Ahead of 2027 General Elections
Amupitan told RMAFC that governorship polls cost more than presidential and National Assembly elections, and sought better staff pay and technology.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has appealed to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for increased and sustained funding ahead of the 2027 general elections, revealing that conducting governorship elections alone costs more than the combined presidential and National Assembly polls.
Amupitan made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between both federal institutions.
According to INEC’s daily bulletin, the commission’s constitutional responsibilities include conducting elections for the President, Vice President, National Assembly, governors, state Houses of Assembly, and the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It also oversees continuous voter registration, political party registration, and manages the financial demands of pre-election and post-election activities, including election petitions arising from party primaries.
The INEC chairman noted that the commission operates offices in all 36 states, the FCT, and the 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government bearing the full cost of maintaining its nationwide operations.
He also called for improved welfare packages for INEC staff, saying better remuneration is essential to attracting and retaining experienced personnel.
Amupitan disclosed that the commission has lost skilled workers to migration in recent years due to inadequate pay and warned that the situation could worsen as many experienced employees approach retirement.
He further appealed for increased investment in infrastructure, electoral technology, and staff training, stressing that these are critical to preserving institutional knowledge and enhancing the commission’s capacity to deliver credible elections.
Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections, adding 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.
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