The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters has proposed an additional ₦30 billion for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen preparations for the 2027 General Elections. The move would raise the commission’s total election budget to ₦903.78 billion, up from an initial ₦873.78 billion.
The committee said the supplemental funds are aimed at enhancing logistics, boosting operational capacity, and addressing anticipated challenges in conducting a nationwide poll. Lawmakers emphasized that securing sufficient funding early is critical to ensuring the efficiency, credibility, and smooth execution of the elections.
The proposed 2027 allocation represents a sharp increase from the ₦313.4 billion released for the 2023 polls. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, during a presentation to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, stressed the need to front-load election costs in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
Key highlights of INEC’s funding request include:
- 2027 General Election Budget: Over ₦900 billion to cover technology, personnel, and miscellaneous capital expenses.
- 2026 Operational Needs: ₦171 billion requested to manage staff salaries, overheads, and off-season polls.
- Funding Shortfall: The ₦140 billion currently allocated by the Ministry of Finance remains insufficient for INEC’s flexible operational needs in 2026.
While the size of the proposed budget has sparked debate over fiscal efficiency, the Senate committee maintained that adequate funding is non-negotiable for a credible electoral process. Stakeholders continue to call for transparency and accountability to ensure that every naira contributes to a fair and credible election.