Micah Jonah
February 13, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday told the National Assembly it will need a whopping N873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections, a huge jump from the N313.4 billion released for the 2023 polls.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, also asked for N171 billion to run the commission in 2026, covering routine activities like by-elections and off-season polls.
Speaking before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, Amupitan said the nearly N1 trillion election budget was split across five major areas: N379.75 billion for operations, N92.32 billion for administration, N209.21 billion for technology, N154.91 billion for capital costs, and N42.61 billion for miscellaneous expenses.
The Chairman stressed that the budget was prepared under Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates INEC to plan its election budget at least one year ahead.
Amupitan highlighted operational challenges, including the lack of a dedicated communications network. He argued that having its own network would make it easier for Nigerians to hold the commission accountable for any technical issues during elections.
Lawmakers backed INEC’s call. APC’s Adams Oshiomhole said outside agencies shouldn’t dictate how INEC budgets, while House member Billy Osawaru urged that election funds be placed on first-line charge, ensuring timely release for proper planning.
The joint committee recommended one-time full release of INEC’s annual budget and said it would also consider the NYSC’s request of about N32 billion to increase corps members’ allowances to N125,000 during election duties.
Senate Committee Chairman Simon Lalong promised close collaboration with INEC, and House Committee Chairman Bayo Balogun pledged legislative support but warned against over-promising on technical capabilities, citing challenges experienced with the INEC Result Viewing portal in 2023.
With INEC’s budget now set for consideration, Nigeria gears up for early preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.
