The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has appealed to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for increased and sustained funding to strengthen the Commission’s operations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Amupitan made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja, describing the meeting as part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the two federal institutions.
The INEC Chairman said the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities include conducting elections for the offices of the President, Vice President, members of the National Assembly, State Governors, State Houses of Assembly and the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as continuous voter registration and the registration of political parties.
He noted that the cost of conducting governorship elections alone exceeds the combined cost of the Presidential and National Assembly elections. According to him, INEC also bears the financial burden of pre-election and post-election activities, including litigation arising from party primaries and election petitions.
Prof. Amupitan explained that the Commission maintains offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as across the 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government funding its nationwide operations.
He stressed the need for improved welfare packages for INEC staff, noting that competitive remuneration is critical to retaining skilled personnel and sustaining institutional efficiency.
According to him, the Commission has lost some experienced staff to migration due in part to inadequate remuneration, warning that the situation could worsen as more experienced personnel approach retirement. He added that better welfare conditions would improve staff morale and strengthen public confidence in the Commission’s electoral processes.
The INEC Chairman also called for increased investment in infrastructure, electoral technology and personnel training, describing them as essential to preserving institutional knowledge and enhancing the Commission’s operational capacity.
Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections, announcing that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 16 January 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be held on 6 February 2027.
He also disclosed that the Commission would conduct the off-cycle governorship election in Osun State on 15 August 2026, adding that the recent governorship election in Ekiti State and bye-elections conducted in other states had received commendation both within and outside Nigeria.
Responding, the Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, commended INEC for its consistency in conducting elections since 1999 and pledged the Commission’s support towards ensuring the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Shehu acknowledged the enormous scale of INEC’s responsibilities at the federal, state and local government levels, noting that the Commission’s nationwide presence places significant operational demands on its resources.
He assured Prof. Amupitan and his delegation that RMAFC would continue to engage and collaborate with INEC in support of its constitutional mandate.
The INEC Chairman was accompanied on the visit by National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, technical aides and directors.
