INEC Seeks ₦874bn for 2027 Polls as Election Costs Surge

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of ₦873.78 billion for the conduct of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, citing rising operational, technological, and security demands as major drivers of the cost increase.

The commission also requested ₦171 billion for its 2026 operations, which include bye-elections, off-season polls, voter registration activities, and administrative expenses. The figures were presented on Thursday in Abuja by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters.

According to the commission, the proposals were submitted in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates electoral bodies to prepare and present election budgets at least one year ahead of major polls to ensure timely planning and procurement.

Technology, Logistics Drive Sharp Rise in Election Costs

INEC’s breakdown of the ₦873.78 billion election budget shows that operational costs account for the largest share at ₦379.75 billion, followed by technological expenses of ₦209.21 billion. Administrative costs are pegged at ₦92.32 billion, while election capital expenditure is estimated at ₦154.91 billion. Miscellaneous expenses make up the remaining ₦42.61 billion.

The proposed figure marks a sharp increase from the ₦313.4 billion approved and released for the 2023 general elections, raising questions among lawmakers about efficiency, sustainability, and value for money.

INEC officials, however, explained that inflationary pressures, currency depreciation, and the growing scale of election logistics have significantly raised costs. They also pointed to expanded voter populations, wider deployment of election technology, and increased security needs as factors shaping the 2027 budget proposal.

Amupitan told lawmakers that credible elections now require heavier investments in digital systems, logistics infrastructure, and staff training. He said election technology, in particular, has become more expensive due to the need for system upgrades, cybersecurity protections, real-time transmission tools, and equipment replacements following wear and tear from previous election cycles.

He added that Nigeria’s electoral landscape has become more complex, with more political parties, court-mandated reruns, and supplementary polls placing sustained pressure on the commission’s operational capacity and finances.

INEC Warns ₦140bn Funding Envelope for 2026 Is Inadequate

Beyond the 2027 elections, INEC also requested ₦171 billion for its 2026 operations, with personnel costs accounting for ₦109 billion, overheads at ₦18.7 billion, election-related activities at ₦42.63 billion, and capital expenditure estimated at ₦1.4 billion.

However, the commission disclosed that the Ministry of Finance had proposed a funding envelope of ₦140 billion for 2026, a figure it described as insufficient to meet urgent and unpredictable electoral demands.

Amupitan said the shortfall could affect preparations for bye-elections, off-cycle governorship elections, voter register updates, logistics pre-positioning, and continuous voter education campaigns. He warned that delayed or constrained funding could undermine the commission’s ability to meet statutory timelines and operational standards.

Lawmakers on the joint committee questioned the steep rise in election costs but acknowledged the challenges posed by inflation, insecurity, and technological dependence. Some members called for greater accountability mechanisms and cost-saving innovations, including deeper partnerships with security agencies and enhanced local sourcing of election materials.

INEC, in response, said it remains committed to financial transparency and efficient spending but stressed that credible elections require adequate funding, early preparation, and institutional stability.

With the 2027 general elections still two years away, the proposed ₦873.78 billion budget is expected to undergo legislative scrutiny, adjustments, and negotiations before approval. Still, the submission signals the commission’s early push to avoid the funding delays that have plagued previous election cycles.

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