Nigeria’s INEC seeks funding for 2027 elections

The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has appealed to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for increased and predictable funding ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan appealed on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja.

He warned that inadequate remuneration has led to the loss of experienced staff through migration, a phenomenon locally referred to as “JAPPA Syndrome”. He said the loss of skilled personnel, combined with the imminent retirement of senior officials, could widen the commission’s skills gap and affect election management.

“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.

Amupitan called for improved welfare packages and competitive remuneration to retain qualified staff, boost morale and strengthen public confidence. He also requested increased investment in infrastructure, electoral technology and staff training.

The INEC chairman noted that governorship elections alone cost more to conduct than the combined presidential and National Assembly elections. He said INEC operates offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas.

Responding, Shehu commended INEC for sustaining the electoral process since 1999 and pledged the commission’s support for credible elections in 2027. He acknowledged the scale of INEC’s responsibilities and assured the electoral body of continued collaboration.

The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

Source: MRA