Nigeria’s electoral body has tabled a N873.78 billion proposal for the 2027 general polls, more than double the funds allocated for the 2023 vote, even as it seeks N171bn to fund its operations in the 2026 fiscal year.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) head Joash Amupitan presented the figures to a joint parliamentary panel, detailing a five-part breakdown: N379.75 billion for operations, N92.32 billion for administration, N209.21 billion for technology, N154.91 billion for capital outlays and N42.61 billion for sundries.
The sum aligns with legal timelines, he said: “This budget was prepared in line with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to prepare its election budget at least one year before the general election.”
The request excludes a fresh plea from the National Youth Service Corps for N32 billion to hike ad-hoc worker stipends to N125,000, which the committee agreed to review separately.
For 2026, encompassing bye-elections and routine tasks, INEC seeks N171 billion — exceeding the finance ministry’s N140 billion cap — split into N109 billion for staff, N18.7 billion overheads, N42.63 billion for polls and N1.4 billion capital.
Amupitan decried the envelope system as ill-suited, urging flexibility and a dedicated network to resolve glitches: “The lack of a dedicated communications network remains a major operational challenge.”
The 2027 ask dwarfs the N313.4 billion disbursed for 2023, prompting Senator Adams Oshiomhole to advocate ditching the envelope: “External agencies should not dictate INEC’s budgeting framework due to its unique mandate.”
Lawmaker Billy Osawaru pushed for first-line charge status under the constitution: “Funds released in full and on time for early planning of the 2027 elections.”
Panel co-chair Simon Along vowed support, but counterpart Bayo Balogun cautioned against unfulfilled vows, citing 2023’s result portal woes: “Be careful how you make promises.”
The group endorsed one-time annual releases.
INEC’s office offered no additional comment.
