INEC Seeks Better Funding, Staff Welfare Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed for improved and sustained funding, as well as enhanced staff welfare, to strengthen its operations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commission said increased financial support would enable it to improve electoral infrastructure, invest in technology, retain experienced personnel and deliver credible elections across the country.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, 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 on Tuesday.

Amupitan described the meeting as part of efforts to deepen collaboration between the two federal agencies, stressing that the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities continue to expand in scope and cost.

He said INEC is responsible not only for conducting presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections, but also for continuous voter registration, political party registration and the conduct of Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, the Commission also shoulders the financial burden of pre-election and post-election activities, including litigation arising from party primaries and election petitions.

He noted that INEC maintains offices in the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government funding its nationwide operations.

The INEC chairman said the rising cost of elections underscores the need for increased budgetary support, adding that governorship elections alone now cost more to conduct than the combined presidential and National Assembly elections.

Amupitan also raised concerns over staff welfare, warning that inadequate remuneration has contributed to the loss of experienced personnel and could further widen the Commission’s skills gap as more employees approach retirement.

He said improved welfare packages would help retain skilled workers, boost staff morale and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

The INEC chairman also called for increased investment in infrastructure, electoral technology and personnel training to preserve institutional capacity and improve the Commission’s operational efficiency.

“We remain committed to delivering free, fair, transparent and credible elections,” he said.

Amupitan disclosed that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6.

He added that the Commission would conduct the Osun State governorship election on August 15, 2026, noting that the recent Ekiti governorship election and several bye-elections had received commendation from both local and international observers.

Responding, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, commended INEC for sustaining democratic elections since 1999 and pledged the Commission’s support in helping the electoral body prepare for the 2027 polls.

He acknowledged the enormous responsibilities placed on INEC, describing its nationwide operations across federal, state and local government levels as a demanding undertaking.

Shehu assured the electoral body of RMAFC’s continued partnership, saying the Commission remained committed to engaging with INEC in support of its constitutional mandate.