Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has said the Commission will require N873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections. Presenting the proposal before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, he stated that INEC would take full responsibility for electronic transmission of results only if it controls its own infrastructure.
Amupitan explained that the proposed budget, submitted in line with the Electoral Act 2022 requiring funds to be approved 360 days before the polls, is structured under key components. Election Operations Cost stands at N375.75 billion, Administrative Cost at N92.31 billion, Technology Cost at N209.21 billion, and Capital Cost at N154.90 billion, with N41.01 billion for miscellaneous expenses. He stressed that credible elections require early and adequate funding.
On electronic transmission, the INEC chairman admitted that the Commission currently lacks its own network infrastructure and relies on service providers. He said establishing an independent system would enable INEC to accept full accountability but noted that the cost would be enormous. He also urged lawmakers to address funding constraints created by the Finance Ministry’s envelope budgeting system.
A major highlight of the proposal is the plan to pay N127,000 to each National Youth Service Corps member and other ad hoc staff engaged for election duties, covering training and polling days. With about 450,000 corps members expected to participate nationwide, the allowance package is projected to cost about N32 billion.
Lawmakers acknowledged the critical role of presiding officers at polling units and warned that inadequate remuneration could expose them to inducement. While pledging legislative support, members of the joint committee assured INEC of backing as preparations intensify, noting that public scrutiny of the Commission will heighten ahead of the 2027 elections.
