INEC Urges Immediate Release of Funds for 2027 Elections

Civil society organizations Yiaga Africa and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) have expressed support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its demand for the immediate release of outstanding funds necessary for the 2027 general elections. They cautioned that any delays in funding could jeopardize INEC's preparations and the elections' credibility, especially with the polls approaching.

INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, stated that while the federal government has been committed to timely budgetary allocations, some funds remain outstanding. During a press conference in Abuja, he stressed the importance of these funds for executing the commission's activities.

Samson Itodo, executive director of Yiaga Africa, criticized the continued need for INEC to appeal for already approved funds, asserting that election funding is a constitutional necessity. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, executive director of CISLAC, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for financial independence for credible elections and urging the government to release all outstanding funds promptly.