The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has appealed to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission for increased and sustained funding, improved staff welfare and greater investment in electoral infrastructure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja, saying the engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two federal agencies.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Victoria Etta-Messi, INEC’s constitutional responsibilities extend beyond conducting presidential, governorship and legislative elections to include continuous voter registration and the registration of political parties, making adequate funding critical to the Commission’s operations.
The INEC chairman noted that the cost of conducting governorship elections alone exceeds the combined cost of the presidential and National Assembly elections, adding that the Commission also bears the financial burden of pre-election and post-election activities, including election petitions arising from party primaries.
According to him, INEC operates offices in the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government funding the nationwide operations.
Amupitan also called for improved welfare packages for INEC staff, warning that inadequate remuneration had contributed to the loss of experienced personnel through migration.
He said, “The Commission had, in recent times, lost some experienced staff to migration, and a widening skills gap could emerge as more senior personnel approach retirement.”
He stressed that improved welfare would boost staff morale, help retain skilled workers and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
The INEC chairman further urged increased funding for infrastructure, electoral technology and personnel training, describing the investments as essential for preserving institutional knowledge and enhancing the Commission’s efficiency.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections, noting that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
Amupitan also disclosed that the Commission would conduct the Osun State governorship election on August 15, 2026, adding that the recent Ekiti governorship election and several by-elections had attracted commendation both within and outside Nigeria.
In his response, the RMAFC chairman commended INEC for maintaining consistency in the conduct of elections since 1999 and pledged the Commission’s support towards ensuring credible elections in 2027.
Shehu acknowledged the enormity of INEC’s responsibilities across the country and assured the electoral body of continued collaboration in support of its constitutional mandate.
