The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has called for increased and sustained funding, improved staff welfare and greater investment in electoral infrastructure as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja, where both agencies discussed ways to strengthen collaboration.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Etta-Messi.
According to the statement, the INEC chairman said the Commission’s responsibilities extend beyond conducting presidential, governorship and legislative elections to include continuous voter registration, political party registration and other constitutional duties, making adequate funding essential to its operations.
Amupitan noted that governorship elections are more expensive to conduct than the combined presidential and National Assembly elections. He added that INEC also shoulders the costs of pre-election and post-election activities, including litigation arising from party primaries.
He further explained that the Commission operates offices in the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas, all of which are funded by the Federal Government.
The INEC chairman also appealed for improved welfare packages for staff, warning that the Commission has been losing experienced personnel due to migration.
“The Commission had, in recent times, lost some experienced staff to migration, and a widening skills gap could emerge as more senior personnel approach retirement,” he said.
According to him, better remuneration and welfare would improve staff morale, help retain skilled employees and strengthen public confidence in the country’s electoral process.
Amupitan also advocated increased investment in electoral infrastructure, technology and personnel training, describing them as critical to preserving institutional knowledge and improving the Commission’s efficiency.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering free, fair, transparent and credible elections, noting that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections will be held on February 6, 2027.
The INEC chairman also announced that the Osun State governorship election will take place on August 15, 2026, adding that the recent Ekiti governorship election and several by-elections had received commendation both locally and internationally.
Responding, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, commended INEC for sustaining electoral processes since 1999 despite numerous challenges.
He acknowledged the Commission’s extensive responsibilities across the country and pledged RMAFC’s continued support and collaboration to help ensure the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
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