The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters has formally recommended an additional ₦30 billion allocation for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to bolster preparations for the 2027 General Elections.
This proposed increase would bring the total election budget to ₦903.78 billion, up from the commission’s initial proposal of ₦873.78 billion. The committee noted that the supplemental funds are specifically earmarked to enhance logistics, strengthen operational capacity, and mitigate anticipated challenges inherent in a nationwide polling exercise.
Lawmakers emphasized that the additional investment is critical to ensuring the efficiency and credibility of the upcoming polls. By addressing funding gaps early, the Senate aims to provide INEC with the necessary tools to manage the complex administrative and technological demands of the 2027 cycle.
The 2027 proposal represents a significant increase from the ₦313.4 billion released for the 2023 elections. During a presentation to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan outlined the necessity of front-loading these costs to comply with the Electoral Act 2022.
Key highlights of the funding request include:
2027 General Election Budget: Now projected at over ₦900 billion, covering technology, personnel, and miscellaneous capital expenses.
2026 Operational Needs: A request for ₦171 billion to manage personnel costs, overheads, and off-season polls.
Funding Shortfall: The commission cautioned that the ₦140 billion currently provisioned by the Ministry of Finance remains insufficient for the flexible needs of the 2026 calendar.
While the scale of the budget has prompted discussions regarding fiscal efficiency, the Senate Committee maintained that adequate funding is a non-negotiable prerequisite for a smooth electoral process. Stakeholders continue to advocate for a balance between robust funding and stringent transparency to ensure every naira contributes to a credible democratic outcome.
