INEC seeks N873bn for 2027 polls, proposes N171bn 2026 budget

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has projected a total of N873.778 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal and the estimated cost of the 2027 elections before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.

He clarified that the N873.778 billion election budget is distinct from INEC’s N171 billion proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, which covers routine operations, including by-elections and off-cycle polls.

According to Amupitan, the projected cost for the 2027 elections excludes a fresh request by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) seeking an upward review of allowances for corps members deployed as ad-hoc election staff.

Breaking down the proposed election budget approaching N1 trillion, the INEC chairman said it is structured into five major components: N379.748 billion for operational expenses; N92.317 billion for administrative costs; N209.206 billion for technology; N154.905 billion for capital expenditure; and N42.608 billion for miscellaneous items.

He noted that the proposal was prepared in compliance with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to submit its election budget at least one year before a general election.

On the 2026 fiscal framework, Amupitan revealed that the Ministry of Finance issued INEC a budget ceiling of N140 billion. However, the Commission is proposing N171 billion to meet its obligations. The breakdown includes N109 billion for personnel costs, N18.7 billion for overheads, N42.63 billion for election-related activities, and N1.4 billion for capital projects.

The INEC chairman criticised the envelope budgeting system, arguing that it does not align with the commission’s operational realities, which often demand urgent and flexible funding.

He also identified the absence of a dedicated communications network as a major challenge, stressing that developing an independent infrastructure would enhance transparency and enable Nigerians to hold the Commission accountable in the event of technical failures.

Lawmakers at the session raised concerns over funding mechanisms for the electoral body.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) argued that given INEC’s sensitive constitutional mandate, its budget should not be subjected to rigid external frameworks.

He called for the removal of the envelope system in the Commission’s case and urged Parliament to consider its actual funding requirements to forestall complaints of underfunding.

Similarly, Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru advocated placing INEC’s budget on first-line charge in line with constitutional provisions, with full and timely releases to ensure effective planning and implementation.

The Joint Committee subsequently approved a motion recommending the one-time release of the Commission’s annual budget.

It also indicated that it would examine the NYSC’s separate request for about N32 billion to raise election duty allowances for corps members to N125,000.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Lalong, assured the Commission of legislative backing to ensure adequate preparation for the 2027 polls.

However, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Rep. Bayo Balogun, while pledging support, cautioned the Commission against making commitments it may struggle to fulfil.

He referenced the last general election, noting that INEC had created strong expectations about uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal, which gave the impression of real-time monitoring.

“Meanwhile, the IREV was not even in the Electoral Act; it was only in INEC regulations. So, be careful how you make promises,” Balogun warned.

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