Amupitan seeks better funding, staff welfare ahead of 2027

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has urged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to approve increased and sustained funding for the Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Prof. Amupitan requested on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja.

He said the visit was part of efforts to deepen collaboration between the two federal institutions.

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He noted that INEC’s constitutional duties include conducting elections for President, Vice President, National Assembly, Governors, State Houses of Assembly and FCT Area Councils, as well as continuous voter registration and registration of political parties.

The INEC boss said the cost of conducting a single governorship election now surpasses the combined cost of presidential and National Assembly elections. He added that the Commission also shoulders expenses for pre-election and post-election litigations, including election petitions arising from party primaries.

He said INEC currently runs offices in all 36 states, the FCT, and all 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government bearing the full cost of maintaining the nationwide structure.

Prof. Amupitan also called for improved welfare packages for INEC staff.

He said competitive remuneration was critical to retaining skilled personnel and sustaining efficiency, noting that the Commission had lost some experienced staff to migration due to poor pay.

“With more experienced personnel nearing retirement, we risk a widening skill gap if welfare conditions are not improved,” he warned.

He said better welfare would boost morale and strengthen public trust in election outcomes.

The Chairman further requested increased funding for infrastructure, electoral technology and personnel training, saying such investment was vital to preserving institutional knowledge within the Commission.

He assured RMAFC that INEC remained committed to delivering free, fair, transparent, and credible elections. He disclosed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections will be held on February 6, 2027.

Prof. Amupitan also announced that INEC would conduct an off-cycle governorship election in Osun State on August 15, 2026. He said the Commission’s recent governorship election in Ekiti and various by-elections had received commendation locally and internationally.

In his response, Dr. Shehu commended INEC for its consistency in conducting elections since 1999 and pledged RMAFC’s support toward credible polls in 2027.

He acknowledged the enormity of INEC’s responsibilities across federal, state and local levels given its nationwide presence.

“The doors of RMAFC remain open for continued engagement and collaboration in support of INEC’s electoral mandate,” he assured.

Prof. Amupitan was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Secretary of the Commission, technical aides, and directors.

Dr Shehu received the delegation alongside the RMAFC Vice Chairman, Commissioners, and senior directors.