INEC Requests Budget Funds for 2027 Nigerian General Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to release outstanding funds from its 2026 budget to ensure the seamless execution of the 2027 general elections. During a world press conference and stakeholders forum in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash O. Amupitan revealed that the commission has received N140bn of its proposed N171bn expenditure for 2026. The total estimated cost to conduct the 2027 polls is N873.78bn.

To address weaknesses from the 2023 cycle, INEC has acquired 57,000 new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices and expanded the national voter register to over 103 million voters. The commission is also establishing an Artificial Intelligence Division to combat deepfakes and cyber intrusions. Amupitan pledged the commission's total neutrality and operational excellence, noting that the presidential ballot is scheduled for January 16.

In a strategic workshop with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Amupitan urged media professionals to act as a filter against misinformation. The European Union expressed support for INEC's budgetary requirements and announced the deployment of an electoral mission of experts. The commission plans to deploy over 1.4 million ad hoc staff and is utilizing its SERVICOM Unit to improve staff ethics and transparency.