The 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 consistent funding, as well as improved staff welfare, to strengthen the Commission’s operations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Amupitan made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja, describing the visit as part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the two federal agencies.
The INEC Chairman said the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities extend beyond the conduct of presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly elections to include continuous voter registration, political party registration and the management of pre-election and post-election matters.
He noted that the cost of conducting governorship elections alone exceeds the combined cost of presidential and National Assembly elections, while INEC also bears the financial burden of election petitions arising from party primaries and maintains offices across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas.
Prof. Amupitan stressed the need for improved welfare packages for INEC personnel, warning that inadequate remuneration had contributed to the loss of experienced staff through migration and could create a widening skills gap as more employees approach retirement.
He also called for increased investment in electoral infrastructure, technology and personnel training, saying such measures were critical to strengthening institutional capacity and preserving organisational knowledge.
The INEC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections, announcing 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.
He further disclosed that INEC will conduct the Osun State off-cycle governorship election on 15 August 2026, adding that the Commission’s recent governorship election in Ekiti State and several bye-elections had received commendation both within and outside Nigeria.
Responding, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, commended INEC for sustaining democratic elections since 1999 and pledged the Commission’s support towards ensuring the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
He acknowledged the enormous scope of INEC’s nationwide responsibilities and assured the electoral body of RMAFC’s continued collaboration in supporting its constitutional mandate.
