ABUJA — Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has revealed that conducting governorship elections across Nigeria costs more than the combined expenses of the presidential and National Assembly elections, underscoring the need for increased and sustained funding ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Shehu, in Abuja, Prof. Amupitan said the commission’s expanding responsibilities require stronger financial support to effectively deliver credible elections.
According to the INEC Chairman, the commission’s constitutional mandate extends beyond conducting presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections. It also includes continuous voter registration, political party registration, and managing pre-election and post-election matters, including litigation arising from party primaries.
He noted that INEC maintains offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the country’s 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government bearing the full cost of these nationwide operations.
Prof. Amupitan also called for improved welfare packages for INEC staff, warning that inadequate remuneration has contributed to the loss of experienced personnel to migration. He cautioned that the trend, coupled with the retirement of senior staff, could create a significant skills gap if not addressed.
He stressed that better staff welfare, increased investment in infrastructure, electoral technology and personnel training are critical to preserving institutional knowledge, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to credible elections, Amupitan disclosed that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
He also announced that INEC will conduct the Osun State off-cycle governorship election on August 15, 2026, noting that the commission’s recent governorship election in Ekiti State and several bye-elections had received commendation from both local and international observers.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, praised INEC’s consistency in conducting elections since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. He acknowledged the commission’s enormous operational responsibilities and assured its leadership of RMAFC’s continued support and collaboration to ensure the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
The INEC delegation included national commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, technical aides and directors, while the RMAFC Chairman received the team alongside the commission’s vice chairman, commissioners and senior directors.
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