INEC Proposes N873.78 Billion Budget for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.78 billion for the 2027 general elections, as declared by its chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Thursday.

The budget was presented to the joint committee on electoral matters in the National Assembly and includes costs broken down into four major categories: operational costs (N375.75 billion), electoral administration costs (N92.31 billion), electoral technology costs (N209.21 billion), and capital costs (N154.90 billion), with additional miscellaneous provisions totaling N41.01 billion. Amupitan highlighted the importance of early preparation and the need for legislative provisions to avoid crises as the election date approaches.

He also noted that a significant portion of the budget is earmarked for technology to enhance electronic transmission of results. Furthermore, the proposal includes provisions for compensating National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving as ad hoc staff during elections, with a total projected cost of approximately N32 billion.

Lawmakers, including Hon. Adebayo Balogun and Sen.

Simon Lalong, expressed the necessity of ensuring adequate funding and support for INEC to conduct credible elections.