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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled its budget proposal for the upcoming 2027 general elections, totaling an estimated N873 billion. This figure, presented by INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan during a budget defense session before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, is set to cover a wide range of election-related expenses, from operational costs to technology.
The proposed N873 billion for the 2027 elections will be allocated across several categories:
Operational Costs: N375 billion for the management of elections, including the production of election materials.
Administrative Costs: N92 billion for running the commission’s day-to-day operations.
Election Technology: N209 billion for upgrading INEC’s technological systems, including the result viewing portal and result management infrastructure.
Capital Expenditure: N154 billion for purchasing necessary equipment such as voting cubicles and ballot boxes.
Additionally, INEC plans to set aside N29 billion for the continuous voter registration (CVR) and voter revalidation exercises, aimed at improving the voter register’s integrity.
The proposal also includes a substantial investment in election materials, with N318 billion earmarked for printing essential documents like ballot papers and result sheets. Notably, N12 billion has been allocated for the printing of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which are central to the CVR process.
While the budget highlights substantial allocations for election logistics, one controversial line item has raised eyebrows. A proposed N630 million for annual medical check-ups for political officeholders, including INEC officials, drew scrutiny from lawmakers. Moses Fayinka, a lawmaker representing Mushin II Federal Constituency in Lagos, questioned the rationale for such an allocation.
In his defense, Amupitan clarified that the provision for medical benefits was part of the standard financial template provided by the Federal Ministry of Finance and primarily covers the health-related allowances for the INEC chairman, Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), and National Commissioners. Amupitan cautioned that altering the budget template could jeopardize the commission’s funding access.
The proposal to purchase additional voting cubicles also sparked debate among lawmakers, with some questioning the necessity of increasing the number, especially when existing cubicles were used in past elections. Amupitan defended the decision, explaining that larger cubicles are needed to curb **vote-buying** and other forms of electoral malpractice. He referred to feedback from both local stakeholders and international observers, such as the European Union and the United Kingdom, which highlighted concerns over the need for better protection against vote-buying.
To address this, INEC plans to procure larger cubicles that will allow voters to complete their ballots without the need to exit the booth. This move aims to ensure that voters cannot display their ballots as evidence of vote-buying arrangements.
Amupitan emphasized that the budget was designed in response to stakeholder engagements that have been integral in shaping the commission’s approach to the 2027 polls. He reassured lawmakers that, despite some challenges, INEC’s previous elections had earned praise from international observers for their transparency, even as they called for measures to address electoral malpractices like vote-buying.
“We have made strides, but there is always room for improvement,” said Amupitan. “The suggestions from stakeholders have been pivotal in making our elections more secure and credible.
Another issue raised was the proposed increase in allowances for **National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)** members deployed for election duties. The NYSC had recommended an allowance of N127,000 for each corps member covering training and feeding expenses. This was discussed in the meeting, but lawmakers decided that the final amount would be determined during the formal budget approval process.
A recurring concern raised by lawmakers was the budget constraints INEC faces due to the rigid framework for budget approval. Several members, including Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, voiced concerns about the financial limitations imposed by the envelope system, which determines the budget allocation without reflecting the actual needs of the commission.
Adams Oshiomhole, a prominent lawmaker, also suggested that external institutions should not dictate INEC’s budgetary needs, given the sensitive nature of its mandate. He argued for a more flexible system that better accommodates the electoral body’s operational realities.
In response to these concerns, the committee unanimously adopted a motion recommending that INEC’s funding be given top priority, with a one-off release of the commission’s annual allocation to prevent delays and ensure timely election preparation.
With the National Assembly now scrutinizing the details, INEC remains committed to ensuring a credible, transparent, and secure 2027 general election. Both Amupitan and lawmakers expressed their desire to work collaboratively to support the commission’s preparations, with the final budget yet to undergo official approval.
As the election year draws closer, the debate surrounding funding, equipment procurement, and electoral safeguards will continue to be a critical area of focus in the push for free, fair, and secure elections in Nigeria.