INEC Proposes ₦873.78 Billion Budget For 2027 General Elections.

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has proposed a budget of ₦873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections. 

The commission also asked for ₦171 billion to fund its activities in 2026, which will cover bye-elections and off-season governorship polls across the country.

The figures were presented in Abuja by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during a session with the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters. 

The proposal follows the Electoral Act 2022, which directs the commission to prepare and submit election budgets at least one year before a general election.

According to the breakdown submitted to lawmakers, ₦379.75 billion is planned for operational costs. Administrative expenses are projected at ₦92.32 billion. 

The commission also set aside ₦209.21 billion for technology, while ₦154.91 billion is meant for election capital projects. An additional ₦42.61 billion is listed for other related expenses.

The proposed amount is far above the ₦313.4 billion that was released for the 2023 general elections, showing a sharp rise in projected spending ahead of the next nationwide polls.

For 2026, INEC requested ₦171 billion to manage its regular operations and electoral duties. Out of this amount, ₦109 billion is budgeted for personnel costs. 

Overhead expenses are estimated at ₦18.7 billion, while ₦42.63 billion is planned for election-related activities such as bye-elections. Capital expenditure for the year is put at ₦1.4 billion.

However, the Ministry of Finance has provided a funding envelope of ₦140 billion, which is lower than the commission’s request.

 INEC explained that the amount offered may not be enough to meet its needs, especially as it prepares for urgent and flexible spending ahead of upcoming electoral activities.