INEC Chair Amupitan Seeks Funding Boost from RMAFC

On Tuesday, Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), appealed to Dr. Moh Bello Shehu, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), for increased funding and improved staff welfare to strengthen INEC's operations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Amupitan's appeal is part of ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration between the two federal bodies.

He noted that the costs associated with conducting elections, including the upcoming presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and the governorship elections on February 6, 2027, place a significant financial burden on INEC. He stressed the importance of competitive remuneration to retain skilled personnel and warned that inadequate pay could widen the skill gap as experienced staff migrate.

Amupitan assured RMAFC of INEC's commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections, while Shehu acknowledged the challenges faced by INEC and pledged support for its electoral mandate.