The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, with major allocations to operations, technology and capital expenditure.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, presented the proposal on Thursday before the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly.
He clarified that the N873.778 billion earmarked for the 2027 polls is separate from the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal, which totals N171 billion for routine operations, including by-elections and off-cycle polls.
According to Amupitan, preparations for the 2027 elections have begun in compliance with statutory provisions requiring that election funds be appropriated at least 360 days before the date of the polls. He noted that early approval of funds would enable proper planning and seamless nationwide execution.
The proposed 2027 election budget is structured into five major components: N379.748 billion for operational costs; N92.317 billion for administrative expenses; N209.206 billion for technology; N154.905 billion for election-related capital costs; and N42.608 billion for miscellaneous expenses.
Amupitan explained that the capital allocation is higher than in previous budgets because several items not fully captured in earlier appropriations have now been consolidated into the 2027 proposal. He added that detailed breakdowns were contained in documents submitted to the committee.
The joint session was chaired by Senator Simon Bako Lalong and Hon. Adebayo Balogun.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that the proposed budget does not include a fresh request from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) seeking increased allowances for Corps members engaged as ad hoc election staff.
He said the budget was prepared in line with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to submit its election budget at least one year before a general election.
On the 2026 fiscal year, Amupitan revealed that the Ministry of Finance provided INEC with a N140 billion budget envelope, but the Commission is proposing a total expenditure of N171 billion. The breakdown includes N109 billion for personnel costs; N18.7 billion for overheads; N42.63 billion for election-related activities; and N1.4 billion for capital expenditure.
He argued that the envelope budgeting system is unsuitable for INEC’s operations, citing the need for urgent and flexible funding. He also identified the absence of a dedicated communications network as a major operational challenge, stating that developing an independent network infrastructure would enhance accountability for technical failures.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) supported the Commission’s position, saying external agencies should not dictate INEC’s budgeting framework given the sensitive nature of its mandate. He urged lawmakers to consider the Commission’s actual funding needs to prevent future claims of underfunding.
A member of the House of Representatives from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, called for INEC’s budget to be placed on first-line charge as provided by the Constitution, with full and timely release of funds to ensure effective planning and execution.
The Joint Committee approved a motion recommending the one-time release of the Commission’s annual budget.
It also indicated that it would consider the NYSC’s request for about N32 billion to increase Corps members’ allowances to N125,000 each when deployed for election duties.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Along, assured that the National Assembly would collaborate closely with the Commission to ensure adequate support for the 2027 general elections.
Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Rep. Bayo Balogun, pledged legislative backing but cautioned INEC against making commitments it may not be able to fulfil.
He referenced the last general election, noting that strong assurances were given about uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal, creating expectations of real-time monitoring.
“Meanwhile, the IREV was not even in the Electoral Act; it was only in INEC regulations. So, be careful how you make promises,” Balogun warned.
