KEY POINTS

• INEC 2027 election budget set at N873.8bn.
• INEC 2027 election budget excludes NYSC request.
• INEC 2027 election budget faces scrutiny over funding model.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has proposed N873.778 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, setting out a funding plan that approaches N1 trillion as preparations begin in earnest.

INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan presented the figures on Wednesday before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, clarifying that the election budget is separate from the commission’s N171 billion proposal for the 2026 fiscal year.

He said the N873.778 billion request covers the direct cost of conducting the 2027 elections and does not include a separate demand from the National Youth Service Corps for increased allowances for corps members deployed as ad-hoc staff.

INEC 2027 election budget breakdown

Amupitan said the INEC 2027 election budget is structured into five components: N379.748 billion for operational expenses; N92.317 billion for administrative costs; N209.206 billion for technology; N154.905 billion for capital expenditure; and N42.608 billion for miscellaneous items.

He noted that the proposal complies with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires the commission to submit its budget at least one year before a general election.

On the broader 2026 fiscal framework, Amupitan said the Ministry of Finance issued the commission a budget ceiling of N140 billion, but INEC is seeking N171 billion to meet its obligations. That figure includes N109 billion for personnel costs, N18.7 billion for overheads, N42.63 billion for election-related activities and N1.4 billion for capital projects.

The election budget draws legislative scrutiny

The INEC chairman criticised the envelope budgeting system, arguing that it does not reflect the commission’s operational realities, which often require flexible and time-sensitive funding.

He also highlighted the absence of a dedicated communications network as a constraint, saying independent infrastructure would strengthen transparency and reduce vulnerability to technical failures.

Furthermore, Lawmakers raised questions about funding mechanisms. Senator Adams Oshiomhole said INEC’s constitutional mandate warrants greater budgetary autonomy, urging removal of the envelope system for the commission. Billy Osawaru called for placing INEC’s allocation on first-line charge to ensure timely releases.

The joint committee therefore recommended a one-time release of the commission’s annual budget and said it would review the NYSC’s separate request for about N32 billion to increase election duty allowances to N125,000.

While pledging support, House Committee Chairman Bayo Balogun cautioned INEC against overpromising, referencing expectations around the IREV portal in the last general election. “Be careful how you make promises,” he said.