The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed N873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, presented the estimate on Wednesday before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, alongside the Commission’s N171 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year.
Amupitan clarified that the election budget is separate from the 2026 proposal, which covers routine operations such as by-elections and off-cycle polls. He said the projected N873.78 billion excludes a fresh request from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) seeking increased allowances for corps members serving as ad-hoc election staff. The election budget is broken down into N379.75 billion for operations, N209.21 billion for technology, N154.91 billion for capital expenditure, N92.32 billion for administration, and N42.61 billion for miscellaneous expenses.
The INEC chairman said the proposal complies with the Electoral Act 2022, which requires submission of election budgets at least one year before a general election. He, however, criticised the envelope budgeting system, arguing that it does not reflect the Commission’s operational realities. He also identified the lack of a dedicated communications network as a major challenge, saying independent infrastructure would improve transparency and accountability.
Lawmakers expressed concern over INEC’s funding structure. Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for the removal of the envelope system for the Commission, while Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru advocated placing INEC’s budget on first-line charge to ensure timely releases. The Joint Committee recommended a one-time release of INEC’s annual budget and pledged legislative support, although House Committee Chairman Bayo Balogun cautioned the Commission against making commitments it may struggle to fulfil, referencing past expectations surrounding the IREV portal.
