INEC seeks funding, digital alliance for 2027 elections

The chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, has intensified efforts to secure funding and strengthen institutional partnerships ahead of the 2027 general elections, while the commission also moved to clarify a dispute over candidate nominations for one political party. These developments occurred over two days this week as INEC prepares for a major electoral cycle.

On Tuesday, July 14, Amupitan visited the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission in Abuja to request increased and sustained funding for the electoral body. He told RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu that adequate resources were essential for INEC to fulfill its constitutional duties, which include conducting elections at all levels of government, maintaining offices nationwide, deploying technology, and training personnel. Amupitan noted that election costs have risen significantly, with a single governorship election now exceeding the combined expense of presidential and National Assembly polls. He also highlighted expenses from pre- and post-election litigation and warned that poor remuneration was driving skilled staff to retire or seek...