Financial freedom is crucial for INEC to maintain its independence, says Amupitan

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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said the electoral umpire cannot achieve full independence without financial autonomy.

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He warned that reliance on the regular budgetary process could weaken its ability to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

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Amupitan said granting INEC greater control over its finances was critical to strengthening the commission’s operations and improving public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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As reported by Vanguard, he spoke on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at the public presentation of ‘Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023)’, authored by THISDAY Managing Director, Mr Eniola Bello, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

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The INEC chairman argued that although the constitution provides for the commission’s funding through the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the existing arrangement does not guarantee true financial independence because INEC still depends on the normal appropriation process.

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“Can INEC truly be independent without financial autonomy? If we are serious about strengthening our institutions and conducting free, fair and credible elections, then financial autonomy is essential,” Amupitan said.

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He explained that the commission’s dependence on budgetary approvals from other institutions remained a major limitation to its independence.

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“The Constitution places INEC’s funding on the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and many believe that is sufficient.

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“However, experience has shown that as long as INEC remains subject to the normal appropriation process and depends on budgetary approvals by other institutions, genuine financial independence remains difficult,” he said.

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Amupitan said INEC’s mandate goes beyond the conduct of elections, noting that the commission is responsible for voter registration, registration and monitoring of political parties, maintenance of the national voters’ register and the conduct of federal and state elections.

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He added that the commission also plays a role in supporting local government elections in some respects.

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“For these reasons, there is a strong case for giving INEC greater operational and financial autonomy to improve efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process,” the INEC boss said.

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The chairman, however, stressed that credible elections could not be achieved by INEC alone, noting that political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and citizens all have important roles to play in strengthening democracy.

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“When we talk about strengthening institutions, there are several institutions involved in the conduct of elections.

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“Most times, people think only of the Independent National Electoral Commission, but beyond INEC, we also have the media, the security agencies, civil society organisations and, indeed, the Nigerian people.

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“The health of our democracy is reflected in the strength of this wider institutional framework,” he said.

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Amupitan said all stakeholders must collaborate if Nigeria hopes to conduct peaceful and credible elections in 2027.

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“Therefore, if we truly want the 2027 elections to be free, fair, credible and peaceful, all these institutions must work together,” he added.

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On concerns surrounding the appointment of INEC leadership, Amupitan said the Constitution had established safeguards by requiring the President to appoint the chairman and national commissioners in consultation with the Council of State and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

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He, however, noted that the effectiveness of such provisions often depended on the individuals responsible for implementing them.

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“Sometimes, however, the issue is not the law itself but those who operate it,” he said.

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The INEC chairman cited the views of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who argued that Nigeria’s challenge was not necessarily the absence of laws but the failure to uphold the spirit of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

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Amupitan also described Bello’s book as a valuable contribution to Nigeria’s democratic discourse, saying the publication documented the country’s political journey from the return to democratic rule in 1999 to 2023.

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He said previous electoral cycles had provided important lessons that could guide preparations for the 2027 elections.

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“Every election teaches us lessons, and every electoral cycle provides an opportunity to improve on the last,” Amupitan said.

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