INEC Chairman Calls for Financial Autonomy Ahead of 2027

Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asserted that the commission cannot attain true independence without financial autonomy. Speaking at the public presentation of 'Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023)' by Mr. Eniola Bello on Thursday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Amupitan warned that reliance on the regular budgetary process undermines INEC's capacity to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.

He argued that while the constitution mandates funding through the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the current arrangement does not ensure genuine financial independence, as INEC remains dependent on budgetary approvals from other institutions. Amupitan highlighted that INEC's responsibilities extend beyond conducting elections to include voter registration and monitoring political parties.

He emphasized the need for greater operational and financial autonomy to enhance efficiency and public confidence in the electoral process, noting that credible elections require the collaboration of various stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, and civil society.