INEC Proposes N873 Billion Budget For 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it will need N873.78 billion to run the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan shared the figures on Thursday while presenting the Commission’s 2026 budget plan and the detailed cost forecast for the 2027 elections to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.

The breakdown shows that Election Operational Costs are projected at N375.75 billion, while Election Administrative Costs are expected to reach N92.31 billion.

Election Technology Costs, which cover electronic systems and related infrastructure, are estimated at N209.21 billion, and Election Capital Costs are put at N154.90 billion. These four main areas total about N832.17 billion.

INEC also set aside N41.61 billion for Miscellaneous Expenses, bringing the total projected cost for the 2027 elections to N873.78 billion.

Amupitan clarified that this election budget is separate from the Commission’s proposed N171 billion allocation for 2026, which is meant to cover routine operations, including by-elections and off-cycle polls.

He added that the submission follows Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires INEC to present its general election budget at least a year in advance.

During the budget review session, lawmakers questioned the funding approach and how INEC plans to implement key parts of the amended Electoral Act, especially the electronic transmission of results.

Senator Samuel Lalong, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, said the National Assembly would carefully examine the proposal before approving funds to ensure smooth nationwide elections.

He also reminded that while INEC can estimate costs, it is the legislature that has the constitutional authority to approve and release funds.

The committee indicated it would also review funding for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members assigned to election duties, following a request for increased support.

Under INEC’s proposal, each corps member would receive N127,000, plus N4,500 for meals and N5,000 for a five-day training. About 450,000 corps members are expected to be deployed for the 2027 elections.

KanyiDaily recalls that the INEC recently announced the registration of two political parties named the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).