Electoral commission cites rising operational costs, staff attrition, and technology needs as it seeks support from RMAFC.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called for increased and consistent funding for the commission to strengthen its operations ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amupitan made the appeal during a visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja.
He said INEC’s constitutional responsibilities include conducting presidential, governorship, National Assembly, state assembly, and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, as well as continuous voter registration and the registration of political parties.
According to the INEC chairman, the cost of conducting governorship elections now exceeds the combined expenses of presidential and National Assembly polls. He added that the commission also shoulders the financial burden of pre-election and post-election matters, including petitions arising from party primaries.
Amupitan noted that INEC operates offices in all 36 states, the FCT, and the country’s 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government currently funding its nationwide operations.
He stressed the need for improved welfare packages for staff, revealing that the commission has lost experienced personnel to migration in recent years due to inadequate remuneration.
“Improved welfare conditions would boost staff morale, help retain skilled personnel, and strengthen public confidence in the commission’s electoral outcomes,” he said.
The INEC chairman also advocated greater investment in infrastructure, electoral technology, and personnel training, warning that the commission faces a potential skill gap as many experienced employees approach retirement.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections, noting that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold on February 6.
Amupitan added that the commission is preparing for the Osun State governorship election slated for August 15 and highlighted the successful conduct of recent elections, including the Ekiti governorship poll and several bye-elections.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu commended INEC for its consistency in conducting elections since 1999 and pledged the commission’s support in ensuring credible elections in 2027.
He described INEC’s operational demands as enormous and assured the electoral body of continued collaboration in support of its constitutional mandate.