By Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has appealed to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for increased and consistent funding to strengthen the Commission’s operations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Amupitan made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja. He said the visit was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the two federal agencies.
He explained that INEC’s constitutional responsibilities include conducting elections for the offices of the President, Vice President, National Assembly, Governors, State Houses of Assembly, and the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Commission is also responsible for continuous voter registration and the registration of political parties.
The INEC Chairman noted that conducting governorship elections is more expensive than organising the presidential and National Assembly elections combined.
He added that the Commission also bears the financial burden of pre-election and post-election activities, including litigation arising from party primaries.
According to him, INEC maintains offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government funding the Commission’s nationwide operations.
Prof. Amupitan stressed the need for improved welfare packages for INEC staff, saying competitive remuneration is essential to retain experienced personnel and sustain institutional efficiency.
He disclosed that the Commission has lost some skilled staff to migration due to inadequate remuneration and warned that the challenge could worsen as more experienced workers retire.
He also called for increased funding for infrastructure, electoral technology and personnel training, describing these as critical to preserving institutional knowledge and improving the quality of elections.
The INEC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections.
He announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
He further disclosed that INEC 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 by local and international observers.
In his response, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, commended INEC for its consistency in conducting elections since 1999 and pledged the Commission’s support toward ensuring credible elections in 2027.
Dr. Shehu acknowledged the enormous responsibilities of INEC across the federation and assured the Commission of RMAFC’s continued partnership and support in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
The INEC Chairman was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, technical aides and directors, while the RMAFC Chairman received the delegation alongside the Vice Chairman, Commissioners and senior directors of the Commission.