INEC Requests Record Funding for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans for a record-breaking budget to prepare for the 2027 general elections, signaling a major increase in election costs.

INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan revealed that the commission would require roughly ₦874 billion to run nationwide polls, nearly three times what was spent in 2023. He also outlined a ₦171 billion budget for the commission’s regular operations in 2026, which covers administrative work, by-elections, and other electoral activities outside the main cycle.

The funds are expected to cover operational expenses, capital projects, technology upgrades, and logistics to ensure smooth conduct of elections. Amupitan stressed that timely release of funds is essential for effective planning and to avoid disruptions in the electoral process.

This unprecedented budget underscores the increasing financial demands of organizing elections in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, and highlights INEC’s focus on strengthening technology and infrastructure ahead of the 2027 polls.