The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented a proposed ₦873.78 billion budget for conducting the 2027 general elections, outlining major spending plans across operations, administration, technology, capital projects, and miscellaneous needs.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan disclosed the proposal on Thursday while briefing a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly. He clarified that the election budget is separate from the Commission’s ₦171 billion 2026 budget plan, which covers routine activities, by-elections, and off-cycle polls.
Breakdown of the Proposed Election Budget
According to the Commission, the funds would be distributed as follows:
₦379.748bn — Operational costs
₦92.317bn — Administrative expenses
₦209.206bn — Technology deployment
₦154.905bn — Capital expenditure
₦42.608bn — Miscellaneous items
Amupitan explained that the capital allocation is higher than in previous election budgets because several previously underfunded items have now been consolidated into the 2027 plan.
Early Funding Needed for Planning
INEC said preparations have already begun in line with legal requirements mandating that election funding be approved at least 360 days before polling day. Early appropriation, the chairman argued, is essential for logistics, procurement, and nationwide coordination.
He also noted that the proposal does not yet include a separate request from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which is seeking roughly ₦32 billion to raise allowances for corps members serving as election staff to ₦125,000.
Debate Over Funding Method
For 2026, the Ministry of Finance reportedly set a ₦140 billion budget ceiling for INEC, but the Commission says it needs ₦171 billion to operate effectively. The breakdown includes personnel costs, overheads, election-related activities, and capital spending.
Amupitan criticised the government’s envelope budgeting system, saying it does not suit INEC’s responsibilities because election work often requires urgent and flexible funding. He added that building an independent communications network would improve transparency and accountability, especially in handling technical issues.