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 sustainable funding to enhance the commission's operations ahead of the 2027 general elections. The appeal was made during a courtesy visit to the RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja.
Amupitan said improved and predictable funding is critical to enabling the commission to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities, which include conducting presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections, continuous voter registration, and the registration and regulation of political parties. He noted that INEC's responsibilities extend well beyond election day, covering pre-election activities and post-election litigation arising from party primaries and election petitions.
The INEC chairman also highlighted the rising cost of elections, revealing that conducting governorship elections alone now costs more than the combined expenses of presidential and National Assembly elections. He stressed that growing operational demands require stronger financial support to ensure credible, transparent and efficient elections.
Beyond funding, Amupitan expressed concern over the loss of experienced personnel due to inadequate remuneration, warning that the commission risks a widening skills gap as more senior officials approach retirement. He called for improved staff welfare and greater investment in electoral infrastructure to sustain institutional capacity.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu reaffirmed the commission's commitment to working closely with INEC. He pledged continued collaboration to ensure that the electoral body receives the support required to strengthen Nigeria's democratic process as preparations gather pace for the 2027 general elections.
