For the administration of the general elections in 2027, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suggested spending ₦873.778 billion.
In addition, the electoral body is advocating for the approval of an additional ₦171 billion to finance its activities in 2026.
When INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan was defending the Commission’s budget recommendations before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters on Thursday, he revealed this.
“The nearly ₦874 billion allocated for the 2027 elections is distinct from the proposed ₦171 billion 2026 budget, which is intended to cover regular administrative tasks, by-elections, and off-cycle governorship contests,” Amupitan clarified.
Operational costs are ₦379.748 billion, administrative costs are ₦92.317 billion, technology is ₦209.206 billion, capital expenditures are ₦154.905 billion, and miscellaneous items are ₦42.608 billion, according to a breakdown of the 2027 forecast.
The figure does not, however, include a recent proposal from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for an increase in allowances for corps members who work as ad hoc staff during elections.
Although the Ministry of Finance set a budget ceiling of ₦140 billion for 2026, Amupitan clarified that the Commission needs ₦171 billion to fulfill its responsibilities.
As understood, the planned amount includes ₦1.4 billion for capital projects, ₦42.63 billion for election-related activities, ₦109 billion for staff costs, and ₦18.7 billion for overheads.
The envelope budgeting approach, according to the INEC chief, is not representative of the operational realities of an electoral body that frequently needs flexible and urgent funds, particularly in the run-up to significant elections. A separate communications network is also necessary, he underlined, to improve accountability and transparency in the event of technological difficulties.
During the budget defense, Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for the elimination of the envelope system, while Rep. Billy Osawaru, the chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, argued that INEC’s budget should be placed on the front line to ensure timely disbursements and improve planning.
A resolution suggested a one-time release of INEC’s annual allotment was later agreed by the Joint Committee. It also revealed that it would examine the NYSC’s independent ₦32 billion proposal to increase the allowances for corps members to ₦125,000.
Referencing issues with the INEC Result Viewing portal in past elections, Rep. Bayo Balogun cautioned the Commission against making unrealistic promises and then failing to deliver on them while offering legislative support.
He claimed that despite the Electoral Act’s lack of clear support, the portal raised public expectations for real-time result transmission.
Senator Simon Lalong, who chairs the Senate Committee on INEC, stated that the National Assembly is committed to giving sufficient funds so that the Commission may adequately prepare for the next elections in 2027.
