The Independent National Electoral Commission has appealed for stronger funding and improved staff welfare to sustain preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Commission.
Prof. Amupitan said the visit formed part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between both federal bodies, pointing out that INEC’s constitutional responsibilities extend beyond conducting elections. He said the Commission oversees elections for the President, Vice President, National Assembly, State Governors, State Houses of Assembly and the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, alongside continuous voter registration and the registration of political parties.
The INEC Chairman said the financial demands of conducting elections continue to rise, revealing that governorship elections cost more than the combined expenses for Presidential and National Assembly polls. He added that the Commission also funds pre-election and post-election activities, including petitions arising from party primaries.
He said the Federal Government bears the cost of maintaining INEC offices in the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas across the country.
Making a case for improved welfare, Prof. Amupitan said competitive remuneration remains essential to retaining skilled personnel and sustaining institutional efficiency. He noted that the Commission had lost experienced workers to migration, blaming the trend partly on inadequate remuneration, and warned that the departure of skilled personnel, coupled with impending retirements, could widen the manpower gap. He added that better welfare would raise staff morale and strengthen public confidence in electoral outcomes.
The Chairman also called for greater funding for infrastructure, electoral technology and personnel training, saying such support would help preserve institutional knowledge within the Commission.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to credible elections, Prof. Amupitan added that INEC remained committed to delivering free, fair, transparent and credible elections, adding that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 16 January 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on 6 February 2027.
He also announced that the Osun State governorship election will hold on 15 August 2026, adding that the recent Ekiti governorship election and bye elections conducted in other states received commendation both within and outside Nigeria.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, praised INEC’s record in conducting elections since 1999 and pledged the Commission’s backing for preparations toward the 2027 polls. He acknowledged the breadth of INEC’s responsibilities across the federation and assured the delegation that RMAFC’s doors remained open for continued engagement and collaboration in support for INEC’s electoral mandate.
The INEC delegation included National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, technical aides and directors, while the RMAFC Chairman received the team alongside the Vice Chairman, Commissioners and senior directors.