Key Takeaways
- INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan revealed that governorship elections are more expensive to conduct than presidential and National Assembly polls combined.
- INEC is appealing to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for increased and consistent funding for the 2027 general elections.
- The commission faces challenges with staff retention dueating to inadequate remuneration and a looming skill gap from experienced personnel migration and retirement.
- Improved infrastructure, electoral technology, and personnel training are crucial for safeguarding institutional knowledge and ensuring credible elections.
- RMAFC has pledged support for INEC's mandate, acknowledging the commission's extensive operational demands.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has brought to light a significant financial challenge, revealing that the cost of conducting gubernatorial elections surpasses the combined expenditure for presidential and National Assembly polls. This surprising disclosure came from INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, during a crucial visit to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Abuja. The appeal for increased and consistent funding underscores the critical need for robust financial support as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Amupitan emphasized that INEC's constitutional mandate is vast, encompassing elections for the President, Vice President, National Assembly, state governors, state houses of assembly, and the Federal Capital Territory's area councils. Beyond the main polls, the commission also shoulders the financial burden of continuous voter registration, political party registration, and extensive pre-election and post-election legal matters, including petitions arising from party primaries. The sheer scale of operations, with offices in all 36 states, the FCT, and 774 local government areas, means the federal government currently bears the full cost of this nationwide electoral infrastructure.
Addressing Staff Welfare and Retention Challenges
A critical concern raised by Prof. Amupitan was the welfare of INEC staff. He highlighted that competitive remuneration is vital for retaining skilled personnel and maintaining institutional efficiency. The commission has recently experienced a loss of experienced staff due to migration, a trend partly attributed to inadequate pay. This brain drain, coupled with the impending retirement of long-serving personnel, threatens to create a significant skill gap. Improved welfare packages, he argued, would not only boost staff morale but also strengthen public confidence in the integrity of electoral outcomes.
Investment in Infrastructure and Technology
Beyond personnel, the INEC Chairman stressed the imperative for enhanced infrastructure funding and substantial investment in electoral technology and staff training. These investments are deemed crucial for safeguarding institutional knowledge and ensuring the commission remains at the forefront of electoral best practices. Reliable technology and well-trained staff are foundational to delivering free, fair, transparent, and credible elections, which remains INEC's unwavering commitment.
Prof. Amupitan also outlined the upcoming electoral calendar, with presidential and National Assembly elections slated for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state houses of assembly elections scheduled for February 6, 2027. An off-cycle governorship election in Osun State is also planned for August 15, 2026. He proudly noted the commendations received for recent elections, including the Ekiti State governorship election and various bye-elections, as evidence of INEC's commitment to excellence.
In response, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Shehu lauded INEC's consistent performance since 1999. He acknowledged the enormous operational demands placed on INEC due to its nationwide presence and extensive responsibilities. Dr. Shehu pledged RMAFC's unwavering support, assuring Prof. Amupitan that the commission's doors remain open for continued engagement and collaboration to ensure credible polls in 2027.
Why This Matters
Adequate and consistent funding for INEC is paramount to strengthening Nigeria's democratic institutions and ensuring the integrity of future elections. Addressing the financial and human resource challenges highlighted by INEC is crucial for sustaining public trust and delivering credible electoral processes that truly reflect the will of the people.