The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed for increased funding, improved staff welfare and greater investment in electoral infrastructure as preparations intensify for the 2027 general 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.
According to a statement issued by INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Etta-Messi, the electoral body requires sustained financial support to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities, which include conducting elections, continuous voter registration and political party registration.
Amupitan noted that INEC’s operations extend across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and 774 local government areas, making adequate funding essential for efficient service delivery.
He also called for improved welfare packages for staff, warning that inadequate remuneration has contributed to the loss of experienced personnel through migration and could create a widening skills gap as more senior officials approach retirement.
The INEC chairman stressed that increased investment in electoral technology, infrastructure and personnel training would strengthen the Commission’s capacity and enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections, noting that the 2027 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.
Amupitan also disclosed that the Osun State governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, adding that the recent Ekiti governorship election and several by-elections received positive reviews from both local and international observers.
In his response, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu commended INEC for its consistency in conducting elections since 1999 and assured the Commission of continued collaboration in support of its constitutional mandate.
