The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has called for increased and sustainable funding, improved staff welfare, and greater investment in electoral infrastructure as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
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, where both agencies explored areas of collaboration in support of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The INEC chairman explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening the working relationship between the electoral commission and the fiscal agency while drawing attention to the growing financial demands associated with organising elections across the country.
A statement issued on Tuesday by INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Etta-Messi, noted that the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities extend well beyond the conduct of presidential, governorship and legislative elections.
According to the statement, INEC is also responsible for continuous voter registration, the registration and regulation of political parties, constituency activities and several other electoral processes that require consistent financial support.
Amupitan observed that conducting governorship elections alone costs more than organising the presidential and National Assembly elections combined.
He explained that INEC also shoulders substantial expenses arising from activities before and after elections, including litigation and election petitions stemming from political party primaries.
The chairman further highlighted the extensive operational structure of the Commission, noting that INEC maintains offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
He said the Federal Government currently funds these nationwide operations, making adequate budgetary allocations crucial to the Commission’s ability to discharge its constitutional mandate effectively.
Beyond funding, Amupitan stressed the need for improved welfare packages for INEC personnel, warning that inadequate remuneration has contributed to the departure of experienced staff members in recent years.
According to him, the Commission has witnessed an increasing number of skilled employees leaving for opportunities abroad, creating concerns about the retention of institutional knowledge.
“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 said.
He maintained that better welfare packages would not only improve staff morale but also help retain qualified personnel while strengthening public confidence in the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
The INEC chairman also advocated increased investment in electoral infrastructure, technology and capacity-building programmes for staff.
He described such investments as essential to preserving institutional memory, improving operational efficiency and ensuring that the Commission remains equipped to deliver credible elections.
Amupitan reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting elections that are free, fair, transparent and credible, adding that preparations for the 2027 polls were already underway.
He disclosed that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
He also announced that the Osun State governorship election has been fixed for August 15, 2026.
According to him, the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election, as well as several by-elections conducted by the Commission, received positive assessments from both domestic and international observers.
Responding during the visit, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, commended INEC for sustaining democratic elections since Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999.
He acknowledged the enormous responsibilities placed on the electoral body and assured the Commission of RMAFC’s continued cooperation in supporting its constitutional mandate.
Shehu reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with INEC to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and contribute towards the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
