INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan Requests Funding for 2027 Elections

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, has called for adequate funding to secure the logistics and safety of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at a senior police officers' retreat in Owerri, Amupitan warned that financial constraints could hinder the commission's ability to deploy personnel and materials to polling units.

Amupitan emphasized that while the Nigerian Police Force serves as the lead agency for election security, success depends on sustained financial support and stronger coordination through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. He argued that election expenditure is a collective national responsibility necessary to maintain a credible voters' register and protect ballot integrity.

During the event, Nigerian Bar Association President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya urged police leadership to provide full support to the commission. Amupitan noted that the desire for a perfect electoral system comes with a necessary cost, stating that financial limitations often restrict the commission's operational capabilities.