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By Tracy Moses
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.778 billion to fund the conduct of the 2027 general elections, the Commission disclosed on Thursday.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, presented the 2026 budget proposal alongside the projected 2027 election budget before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
He clarified that the nearly N874 billion earmarked for the 2027 polls is separate from INEC’s 2026 operational budget of N171 billion, which covers routine activities, by-elections, and off-cycle elections.
Prof. Amupitan explained that the proposed election budget is structured across five major components: N379.748 billion for operational costs; N92.317 billion for administrative expenses; N209.206 billion for technology; N154.905 billion for election capital expenditure; and N42.608 billion for miscellaneous items.
The chairman noted that the budget was prepared in accordance with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates INEC to submit its election budget at least one year before a general election.
On the 2026 fiscal year, Prof. Amupitan said the Ministry of Finance allocated the Commission N140 billion, while INEC proposes a total expenditure of N171 billion. This includes N109 billion for personnel costs, N18.7 billion for overheads, N42.63 billion for election-related activities, and N1.4 billion for capital expenditure.
He argued that the envelope budgeting system is unsuitable for the Commission, citing the need for urgent and flexible funding. Prof. Amupitan also highlighted the absence of a dedicated communications network as a major operational challenge, adding that developing its own network would allow the public to hold INEC accountable for any technical failures.
Lawmakers expressed strong support for the Commission. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) said external agencies should not dictate INEC’s budget, emphasizing the sensitive nature of its mandate. He urged Parliament to consider INEC’s actual requirements to avoid complaints of underfunding.
Similarly, Rep. Billy Osawaru (Edo State) called for INEC’s budget to be placed on first-line charge as provided in the Constitution, ensuring funds are released in full and on time for proper planning and execution. The Joint Committee approved a motion recommending the one-time release of INEC’s annual budget.
The committee also said it would review the NYSC’s request for about N32 billion to increase allowances for Corps members engaged in election duties to N125,000 each.
Senator Simon Lalong, chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, assured that the National Assembly would work closely with the Commission to provide the necessary support for the successful conduct of the 2027 polls.
Meanwhile, Rep. Bayo Balogun, chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, cautioned INEC against making promises it may not be able to fulfill.
He recalled the last general election, when INEC assured Nigerians that results could be uploaded in real-time to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal, despite it not being in the Electoral Act.
“Be careful how you make promises,” Balogun warned, urging INEC to manage public expectations while ensuring transparency and efficiency.