The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has urged for increased financial resources, better staff welfare, and enhanced investment in electoral infrastructure as the preparations for the 2027 general elections accelerate.
Amupitan made this request during a visit to Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), in Abuja, with the goal of reinforcing cooperation between the two agencies.
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A statement released on Tuesday by INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Etta-Messi, highlighted that the Commission’s responsibilities extend beyond just organizing elections. This includes ongoing voter registration, political party registration, and various electoral activities, all of which require sufficient financial backing.
Amupitan mentioned that holding governorship elections is costlier than the combined expenses of presidential and National Assembly elections. He pointed out that INEC also incurs costs related to events before and after elections, including any legal issues stemming from party primaries.
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He emphasized that the Commission operates offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the 774 local government areas, making it largely reliant on government funding for its nationwide activities.
The INEC chairman raised concerns about the rising number of experienced personnel leaving the organization due to migration, attributing this trend to inadequate welfare offerings.
“The Commission has recently seen the exodus of several seasoned staff members, and with many senior officials nearing retirement, we face the risk of a significant skills shortage,” he remarked.
Amupitan asserted that enhancing staff welfare would boost morale, promote employee retention, and build public confidence in the electoral process.
He also advocated for more investment in infrastructure, technology, and staff training, describing them as essential for improving the Commission’s effectiveness and maintaining institutional knowledge.
Reiterating INEC’s dedication to conducting credible elections, Amupitan confirmed that the presidential and National Assembly elections are set for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will occur on February 6, 2027.
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He also announced that the Osun State governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, noting that the recent Ekiti governorship election and several by-elections have received positive feedback both locally and globally.
In response, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu praised INEC for its consistent electoral management since 1999 and assured the Commission of ongoing support to ensure credible elections in 2027.
He recognized the extensive nature of INEC’s responsibilities across the nation and committed to continued collaboration in support of its constitutional duties.
