INEC seeks release of outstanding funds ahead of 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission has called for the prompt release of outstanding funds under its 2026 budget as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan made the appeal during a press conference on Tuesday, saying election preparations require adequate and timely financial support.

Amupitan acknowledged that the Federal Government had continued releasing statutory allocations to the commission but said the remaining budgeted funds were needed to prevent disruption to planned activities.

According to the INEC chairman, funds already released have been used for obligations including election technology, operational infrastructure, vendors and nationwide preparations.

He said the commission expects the outstanding allocation to be released promptly to enable it to complete preparations.

INEC projects N873.78bn for 2027 elections

During its 2026 budget defence, INEC said it would require approximately N873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections.

The proposed election expenditure included:

• N379.75bn for operational costs
• N92.32bn for administrative expenses
• N209.21bn for technology
• N154.91bn for election capital expenditure
• N42.61bn for miscellaneous expenses.

Separately, the Ministry of Finance had provided INEC with a 2026 budget envelope of N140bn, while the commission proposed expenditure of about N171bn for the year.

INEC has also begun procurement and infrastructure preparations, including plans to acquire 57,000 additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices, voting cubicles and operational vehicles.

The commission said it was also constructing dedicated BVAS storage facilities, renovating offices and upgrading its information and communications technology infrastructure.

INEC officially released the timetable for the 2027 elections earlier this year as part of its statutory preparations