INEC Seeks Better Funding, Improved Staff Welfare

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has appealed to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for increased and sustainable funding, as well as improved welfare for the workforce ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan made the appeal yesterday during a courtesy visit to the chairman of RMAFC, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja, describing the engagement as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the two federal institutions.

The INEC chairman said the commission’s constitutional responsibilities extend beyond conducting elections for the president, vice president, National Assembly, governors, state Houses of Assembly, and the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to continuous voter registration and the registration of political parties.

He noted that the financial burden of election management has continued to grow, explaining that the cost of conducting governorship elections alone now exceeds the combined cost of presidential and National Assembly elections. According to him, INEC also bears the expenses associated with pre-election and post-election activities, including litigation arising from party primaries.

Amupitan further explained that the Commission operates offices in the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas of the country, with the Federal Government funding the nationwide operations.

He stressed the need for improved welfare packages for INEC staff, noting that competitive remuneration is necessary to retain experienced personnel and maintain institutional efficiency.

According to him, the Commission has lost some skilled staff to migration in recent years, partly due to inadequate remuneration, and warned that the situation could worsen as more experienced employees approach retirement.

He said improved welfare would enhance staff morale, preserve institutional knowledge and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

The INEC chairman also called for increased investment in infrastructure, electoral technology and personnel training, describing them as critical to the successful conduct of future elections.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections, noting that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 16 January 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will take place on 6 February 2027.

Amupitan disclosed that INEC would conduct the Osun State governorship election on 15 August 2026, adding that the recent Ekiti State governorship election and several bye-elections had attracted commendation from both local and international observers.

Responding, RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, commended INEC for sustaining the conduct of democratic elections since 1999 and pledged the Commission’s support towards ensuring credible polls in 2027.

Shehu acknowledged the enormous responsibilities placed on INEC across the country, noting that its nationwide presence makes its operations highly demanding.

He assured the INEC chairman that RMAFC would continue to engage and collaborate with the electoral body in support of its constitutional mandate.

The INEC delegation included National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, technical aides and directors, while the RMAFC chairman received the team alongside the Commission’s Vice Chairman, commissioners and senior directors.