INEC Seeks Better Funding, Staff Welfare Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed for enhanced and sustained funding, improved staff welfare, and greater investment in infrastructure as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. 

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the two agencies.

According to a statement by INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Etta-Messi, the Commission’s mandate goes beyond conducting major elections to include continuous voter registration and the registration of political parties, all of which require adequate resources.

Amupitan highlighted the high cost of elections, noting that governorship polls alone often exceed the combined cost of presidential and National Assembly elections. The Commission also shoulders significant expenses for pre- and post-election activities, including election petitions from party primaries.

INEC maintains offices across Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and all 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government responsible for funding its nationwide operations.

The INEC chairman specifically raised concerns over staff welfare, revealing that inadequate remuneration has led to the loss of experienced personnel to migration. “The Commission had, in recent times, lost some experienced staff to migration, and a widening skills gap could emerge as more senior personnel approach retirement,” he said.

He emphasised that better welfare packages would improve staff morale, retain skilled workers, and enhance public confidence in the electoral process. Amupitan also called for increased funding for technology, infrastructure, and personnel training to preserve institutional knowledge and boost efficiency.

He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering free, fair, transparent, and credible elections. The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, while governorship and state assembly polls will hold on February 6. The Commission will also conduct the Osun State governorship election on August 15, 2026.

In response, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu commended INEC for its consistent performance since 1999 and pledged continued support to ensure credible elections in 2027. He acknowledged the enormity of the Commission’s responsibilities and assured ongoing collaboration.

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