2027: Arewa Group Backs INEC Funding Appeal

A group , Arewa Think Tank has urged the Federal Government to urgently release the outstanding funds due to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Convener of the group, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, made the call in a statement yesterday, saying timely release of the funds was crucial to INEC’s preparations for credible, transparent and efficient elections.

Yakubu commended the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, for drawing attention to the commission’s financial requirements ahead of the elections, saying early release of the funds would enable it to implement its electoral timetable effectively.

“INEC should not be allowed to struggle for funds while preparing for an election as important and complex as the 2027 general elections. Timely funding is not a favour to INEC; it is an investment in the credibility and stability of our democracy,” Yakubu said.

According to him, INEC had already completed nine of the 14 critical statutory milestones contained in its revised timetable for the 2027 elections.

Yakubu also welcomed INEC’s emphasis on election technology, logistics, sensitive materials and security, describing them as critical to the successful conduct of elections across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 local government areas.

He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to treat INEC’s request with urgency and release the outstanding allocations in line with approved budgetary provisions.

Yakubu said adequate funding would also help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and enable INEC to focus on its statutory responsibilities.

He urged political parties, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to support efforts to ensure that the 2027 elections were peaceful, credible and acceptable to Nigerians.