By Peterside Rejoice
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented a N171 billion budget proposal for its 2026 operations while projecting a total of N873.78 billion for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the figures on Thursday before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, explaining that the 2026 budget covers routine operations, including by-elections and off-cycle polls. He clarified that the 2027 projection is separate and does not include a new request by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to increase allowances for corps members deployed as ad-hoc election staff.
The 2027 election budget is structured to cover operational expenses, administrative costs, technology, capital expenditure, and other miscellaneous items. The 2026 proposal exceeds the Finance Ministry’s approved ceiling of N140 billion to meet obligations for personnel costs, overheads, election-related activities, and capital projects.
Amupitan criticised the envelope budgeting system, describing it as incompatible with the Commission’s operational realities, which often demand urgent and flexible funding. He also highlighted the absence of a dedicated communications network, noting that independent infrastructure is essential for transparency and accountability during elections.
Lawmakers at the session raised concerns over the Commission’s funding mechanism. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) urged the removal of the envelope system to ensure timely and adequate budget releases, while Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru recommended placing INEC’s budget on a first-line charge to allow proper planning and implementation. The Joint Committee approved a motion recommending a one-time release of the 2026 budget and agreed to examine the NYSC’s separate request for about N32 billion to raise election duty allowances to N125,000 per corps member.
Senator Simon Lalong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, assured the Commission of legislative backing to ensure readiness for the 2027 elections. However, Rep. Bayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, cautioned INEC against making commitments it may struggle to fulfil, citing challenges with real-time result uploads during previous elections.
Amupitan stressed that adequate funding and operational independence are crucial to conducting credible elections and ensuring that all necessary resources are available for voters and election staff across the country.
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