Chidinma Iroegbu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) has put the cost of conducting the 2027 general elections at a staggering ₦873.778 billion, setting the stage for a fresh debate over election funding and institutional autonomy.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while presenting the commission’s 2026 budget proposal and the projected cost of the 2027 polls before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja, warning that credible elections come at a high but unavoidable price.
Amupitan clarified that the election budget is distinct from INEC’s proposed ₦171 billion expenditure for 2026, which is designed to cover routine operations, including bye-elections and off-cycle governorship polls across the federation.
A breakdown of the 2027 election estimate shows ₦379.748 billion earmarked for operational expenses, ₦92.317 billion for administrative costs, ₦209.206 billion for technology deployment, ₦154.905 billion for capital expenditure, and ₦42.608 billion for miscellaneous items.
He noted that the proposal was prepared in compliance with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the commission to submit its election budget at least one year ahead of a general election, stressing that early planning is critical to electoral credibility.
The INEC boss added that the projection does not capture a fresh request by the National Youth Service Corps for an upward review of allowances for corps members deployed as ad-hoc election staff, a development that could further stretch costs.
On the 2026 fiscal year, Amupitan disclosed that while the Ministry of Finance gave INEC an envelope of ₦140 billion, the commission is proposing a total expenditure of ₦171 billion, citing unavoidable gaps between projected needs and allocated funds.
The 2026 budget proposal includes ₦109 billion for personnel costs, ₦18.7 billion for overheads, ₦42.63 billion for election-related activities and ₦1.4 billion for capital projects, with the INEC chairman describing envelope budgeting as inadequate for the commission’s time-sensitive responsibilities.
Lawmakers at the session, however, pushed back strongly, calling for INEC’s budget to be treated as a first-line charge to guarantee financial independence. Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that external agencies should not dictate the commission’s budgeting framework, given the sensitive nature of its mandate.
In a similar vein, House member Billy Osawaru urged that once approved by the National Assembly, INEC’s funds should be released in full and on time, in line with constitutional provisions, to enable proper planning and execution.
The joint committee also indicated it would review the NYSC’s request for about ₦32 billion to raise allowances for corps members on election duty to ₦125,000, even as legislators pledged broad support for INEC while cautioning against creating public expectations beyond the law.
Chairmen of both the Senate and House committees on electoral matters assured the commission of legislative backing to ensure a successful 2027 poll, with stakeholders agreeing that timely funding, realistic planning and stronger operational capacity will determine whether Nigeria delivers credible elections in the next cycle.