Elections chief calls for increased financial allocation to support electoral process

Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, has revealed that the cost of conducting governorship elections surpasses the combined cost of Presidential and National Assembly elections, prompting an appeal to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission for increased funding ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Amupitan made this disclosure during a courtesy visit to the RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Shehu, in Abuja, describing the meeting as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the two federal bodies.

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According to INEC's constitutional mandate, the commission is responsible for conducting elections for various offices, including the President, Vice President, National Assembly, state governors, and area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as overseeing continuous voter registration and political party registration.

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The commission also bears the financial burden of pre-election and post-election matters, including election petitions arising from party primaries, with Amupitan emphasizing the need for improved welfare packages for INEC staff to retain skilled personnel and sustain institutional efficiency.

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Amupitan noted that the commission has lost experienced staff to migration due to inadequate remuneration, warning that a widening skill gap could result as more personnel approach retirement, and emphasizing that improved welfare conditions would boost staff morale and public confidence in the commission's electoral outcomes.

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The INEC chairman called for increased infrastructure funding and investment in electoral technology and personnel training, stressing that these investments are vital to safeguarding institutional knowledge within the commission.

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Amupitan assured the RMAFC that INEC remains committed to delivering free, fair, transparent, and credible elections, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and the governorship and state houses of assembly elections set for February 6, 2027.

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The commission will also conduct an off-cycle governorship election in Osun State on August 15, 2026, with Amupitan highlighting the commendation received for INEC's recent governorship election in Ekiti State and bye-elections in other states.

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Responding to Amupitan's remarks, Dr Shehu commended INEC for its consistency in conducting elections since 1999 and pledged the RMAFC's support towards ensuring INEC delivers credible polls in 2027.

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Dr Shehu acknowledged the scale of INEC's responsibilities and operational demands, given its nationwide presence, and assured Amupitan that the RMAFC's doors remain open for continued engagement and collaboration in support of INEC's electoral mandate.

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The INEC Chairman was accompanied by national commissioners, the Secretary of the Commission, technical aides, and directors during the meeting, while the RMAFC Chairman received the delegation alongside the vice chairman, commissioners, and senior directors of the commission.