Abuja — Nigeria election body, INEC, don present heavy Budget proposal as dem tell lawmakers say dem go need about N873.778 billion to organise the 2027 general elections across the country. The commission still propose another N171 billion for 2026 fiscal year to cover their normal operations like by-elections, off-cycle polls and day-to-day administrative work.
INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, make the disclosure while he dey present the commission’s financial plans before National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters. According to am, the election budget and the 2026 operational budget no be the same thing, as each one get different responsibilities and expenses attached.
Amupitan explain say the almost N1 trillion election budget break into several major areas. Dem plan about N379.7 billion for election operations like logistics, training and field activities. Another N92.3 billion go for administrative costs, while N209.2 billion go handle technology infrastructure to support electronic systems and result management. Capital expenditure take N154.9 billion, and other miscellaneous needs get about N42.6 billion allocation.
He also note say the projected election cost no include fresh request from the National Youth Service Corps wey want increase allowance for corps members wey dey serve as ad-hoc election staff. Lawmakers say dem still dey review NYSC separate request of about N32 billion to raise election duty allowance to N125,000.
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Talking about the 2026 budget framework, Amupitan reveal say Ministry of Finance give INEC spending limit of N140 billion, but the commission propose N171 billion because dem believe say the ceiling no go allow dem meet their operational demands. The proposed breakdown include N109 billion for personnel, N18.7 billion for overhead, N42.63 billion for election activities, and about N1.4 billion for capital projects.
INEC chairman also criticise the “envelope budgeting system,” saying the rigid framework dey make election planning difficult because election activities dey require flexibility and urgent funding decisions. He warn say without realistic funding, commission fit struggle to meet expectations for credible and transparent elections.
Another major concern wey INEC raise na lack of dedicated communication network. According to Amupitan, if commission build independent communication infrastructure, Nigerians go fit track election processes better and hold INEC accountable anytime technical problems happen during result transmission or voting operations.
During the session, lawmakers express different opinions on how election body funding suppose work. Senator Adams Oshiomhole argue say because of INEC sensitive constitutional role, dem suppose remove strict budget controls and allow the commission access to funds based on real needs. Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru also suggest say INEC budget suppose get first-line charge status so money go dey released on time without unnecessary delay.
Committee members eventually recommend a one-time release of INEC annual budget to help the commission prepare ahead of the 2027 elections. Senator Simon Lalong assure INEC of legislative support to make sure dem conduct credible polls.
However, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Mr. Bayo Balogun, still caution the commission make dem no create unrealistic expectations for Nigerians. He reference previous general election when INEC promise real-time result upload through IREV portal, which later spark controversy when the system no function as many people expect. He advise the commission make dem align public promises with legal framework and technical capacity.
As discussion continue, many observers don begin question the rising cost of elections in Nigeria, especially as the proposed budget approach one trillion naira. Supporters say adequate funding necessary to ensure transparent and credible elections, while critics dey worry about accountability and effective spending of public funds.