INEC SEEKS MORE FUNDING, BETTER STAFF WELFARE AHEAD OF 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS

INEC SEEKS MORE FUNDING, BETTER STAFF WELFARE AHEAD OF 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS


The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed for increased and sustained funding, improved staff welfare, and greater investment in electoral infrastructure as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by INEC's Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Etta-Messi, the meeting was aimed at strengthening collaboration between both federal agencies.

Amupitan explained that INEC's responsibilities extend beyond conducting presidential, governorship and legislative elections. He noted that the Commission is also responsible for continuous voter registration, registration of political parties and other electoral activities, making adequate funding essential to its operations.

The INEC chairman disclosed that the cost of conducting governorship elections alone is higher than the combined cost of the presidential and National Assembly elections. He added that the Commission also funds pre-election and post-election activities, including election petitions arising from party primaries.

He further noted that INEC maintains offices across Nigeria's 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas, all of which require continuous government funding to operate effectively.

Amupitan also called for improved welfare packages for the Commission's staff, warning that inadequate remuneration has contributed to the loss of experienced personnel through migration.

According to him, the departure of skilled employees, combined with the impending retirement of senior officials, could create a significant skills gap within the electoral body.

He said improved welfare would help retain experienced staff, boost morale and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process.

The INEC chairman also urged increased investment in electoral infrastructure, technology and personnel training, describing them as critical to preserving institutional knowledge and improving the Commission's efficiency.

Reaffirming INEC's commitment to delivering free, fair, transparent and credible elections, Amupitan announced that the 2027 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 also disclosed that the Osun State governorship election will be held on August 15, 2026, adding that the recently conducted Ekiti State governorship election and several by-elections had received commendation both within and outside Nigeria.

Responding, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu praised INEC for maintaining consistency in the conduct of elections since 1999 and assured the Commission of continued collaboration to support its constitutional responsibilities and preparations for the 2027 polls.

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