The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has appealed for increased and predictable funding to enable the commission to effectively prepare for the 2027 general elections, warning that the cost of conducting elections continues to rise.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Abuja, Amupitan disclosed that conducting governorship elections alone costs more than the combined cost of presidential and National Assembly elections, underscoring the growing financial demands of Nigeria’s electoral process. He said the commission requires sustained financial support to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

According to INEC, its constitutional responsibilities extend beyond conducting elections for the offices of the President, Vice President, governors, the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils. The commission is also responsible for continuous voter registration, the registration and regulation of political parties, voter education, and other electoral activities that require year-round funding.

Amupitan explained that the visit formed part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between INEC and the RMAFC, stressing that timely and adequate funding is essential for effective election planning, procurement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, deployment of technology, personnel training, and other logistical preparations ahead of future elections.

The appeal comes as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders continuing to emphasise the importance of early funding, institutional independence, and adequate logistical support to ensure the conduct of free, fair, transparent, and credible elections across Nigeria.

l