The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, appealed for increased and sustained funding to enable the commission to effectively conduct the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja, where he disclosed that conducting governorship elections alone costs more than the combined expenses of the presidential and National Assembly elections.
According to a statement by INEC, the commission’s chairman said the electoral body’s constitutional responsibilities include conducting elections for the President, Vice President, National Assembly, governors, state Houses of Assembly and the area councils of the Federal Capital Territory. INEC also oversees continuous voter registration and the registration of political parties.
He added that the commission bears the financial burden of pre-election and post-election activities, including election petitions arising from party primaries.
Amupitan explained that INEC maintains offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the country’s 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government funding its nationwide operations.
He also called for improved welfare packages for staff, stressing that competitive remuneration is necessary to retain skilled personnel and sustain the commission’s efficiency.
The INEC chairman disclosed that the commission has lost experienced employees to migration in recent years, attributing the trend partly to inadequate remuneration. He warned that a widening skills gap could emerge as more experienced personnel approach retirement, adding that better welfare would boost staff morale and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
He further called for increased investment in infrastructure, electoral technology and personnel training, describing them as critical to preserving institutional knowledge and enhancing the credibility of elections.
Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections, noting that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
He also announced that the commission will conduct the Osun State off-cycle governorship election on August 15, 2026, adding that the recent Ekiti State governorship election and several bye-elections were widely commended both locally and internationally.
Responding, Shehu commended INEC for consistently conducting elections since 1999 and pledged the commission’s support towards ensuring credible polls in 2027.
He acknowledged the enormous responsibilities placed on INEC because of its nationwide presence and constitutional mandate, assuring the electoral body of RMAFC’s continued collaboration.
Truth Live News gathered that the meeting was attended by INEC national commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, technical aides and directors, while the RMAFC chairman was joined by the commission’s vice chairman, commissioners and senior directors.
