With preparations for the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for improved and sustained funding, warning that adequate resources and better staff welfare are critical to delivering credible elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Prof. Amupitan said the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities extend beyond conducting presidential, governorship and legislative elections to include continuous voter registration, political party registration and handling election-related litigation.
He noted that the cost of governorship elections alone exceeds that of the presidential and National Assembly polls combined.
He stressed that INEC’s nationwide operations across the 36 states, the FCT and all 774 local government areas require stronger financial support, improved infrastructure, investment in electoral technology and enhanced staff welfare to retain skilled personnel and prevent a widening talent gap.
The INEC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair and transparent elections, announcing that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on 16 January, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for 6 February 2027.
He also confirmed that the Osun State governorship election will take place on 15 August 2026.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu commended INEC’s record of conducting elections since 1999 and pledged continued collaboration to support the Commission in delivering credible elections.
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