The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally proposed a budget of ₦873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 General Elections. The proposal was presented on Thursday to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, co-chaired by Senator Simon Bako Lalong and Hon. Adebayo Balogun.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, emphasized that the early submission complies with statutory requirements mandating that election funding be appropriated at least 360 days before the polls. He noted that early financial backing is critical to ensuring seamless logistics and nationwide execution.
The 2027 proposal is categorized into four primary operational pillars, alongside a provision for miscellaneous expenses. The commission is placing a heavy emphasis on digital integrity, with technology costs accounting for nearly a quarter of the total request.
| Expenditure Category | Proposed Amount |
| Election Operations | ₦375.75 Billion |
| Election Technology | ₦209.21 Billion |
| Election Capital Costs | ₦154.90 Billion |
| Administrative Costs | ₦92.31 Billion |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | ₦41.61 Billion |
| GRAND TOTAL | ₦873.78 Billion |
Key Highlights of the Proposal
- Operational Dominance: At ₦375.75 billion, election operations remain the largest cost driver, covering direct field activities and polling logistics.
- Technological Investment: The ₦209.21 billion allocated to technology underscores INEC’s commitment to a technology driven electoral process to enhance transparency.
- Consolidated Capital Growth: Prof. Amupitan explained that the capital component (₦154.90 billion) is higher than in previous cycles because the commission has consolidated several critical infrastructure items that were underfunded in previous years.
- Statutory Compliance: By presenting the budget now, INEC aims to avoid the last minute funding pressures that have historically challenged election timelines.
The Joint Committee has commenced a detailed review of the five page document, which provides granular breakdown codes for every expenditure from polling materials (Codes 230101-230601) to technology infrastructure (Codes 230707-230811).
The National Assembly’s approval of this proposal will be a defining factor in the readiness of the commission to deliver a credible and efficient election cycle in 2027.
