By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has appealed to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for increased and sustained funding to strengthen the Commission’s operations and improve staff welfare ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Amupitan made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja, describing the engagement as part of efforts to deepen collaboration between the two federal institutions.
He said adequate funding was critical to enabling INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate, which includes conducting presidential, governorship, National Assembly, state assembly and FCT Area Council elections, as well as continuous voter registration and political party registration.
The INEC Chairman noted that the Commission’s operational costs remain substantial, explaining that governorship elections alone cost more than the combined expenses of presidential and National Assembly elections. He added that INEC also shoulders the financial burden of pre-election and post-election activities, including litigation arising from party primaries.
Amupitan further highlighted the Commission’s nationwide presence, with offices in the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas, stressing that the Federal Government currently funds these extensive operations.
He also called for improved remuneration and welfare packages for INEC personnel, warning that the Commission has lost experienced staff to migration due to inadequate pay. According to him, better welfare would help retain skilled professionals, preserve institutional knowledge, boost staff morale and enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
The INEC Chairman also urged greater investment in infrastructure, electoral technology and staff training, describing them as essential to delivering credible elections.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to free, fair, transparent and credible polls, Amupitan announced that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
He also disclosed that INEC would conduct the Osun State off-cycle governorship election on August 15, 2026, adding that the Commission’s recent governorship election in Ekiti State and several bye-elections had attracted commendation from local and international observers.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, praised INEC for maintaining consistency in the conduct of elections since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 and assured the Commission of RMAFC’s support in ensuring the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Shehu acknowledged the enormous scope of INEC’s responsibilities across the country and pledged continued collaboration between both institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
The INEC delegation included National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, technical aides and directors, while the RMAFC Chairman received them alongside the Commission’s Vice Chairman, commissioners and senior directors.
