Senate Seeks Additional ₦30 Billion for INEC to Conduct 2027 General Elections

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters has called for an additional ₦30 billion allocation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to support the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

This request comes after INEC presented its proposed budget of ₦873.78 billion specifically for the 2027 polls during a recent budget defence session before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, defended the figure, emphasizing the need for early appropriation to allow adequate planning and execution, as required by law.

The additional ₦30 billion sought by the Senate committee is primarily aimed at enhancing logistics and ensuring greater efficiency in the electoral process. National Assembly correspondent Lami Ali reported that the increase is intended to address logistical challenges that could impact the smooth delivery of the nationwide elections.

INEC’s initial proposal of ₦873.78 billion — nearly three times the ₦313.48 billion used for the 2023 general elections — breaks down as follows: Operational costs: Approximately ₦379.75 billion; Administrative costs: ₦92.32 billion; Technological costs (including BVAS and IReV enhancements): ₦209.21 billion; Capital expenditure: ₦154.91 billion and Miscellaneous expenses: Around ₦41.61 billion to ₦42.61 billion

The commission stressed that this election-specific budget is separate from its proposed ₦171 billion for routine 2026 operations, which include by-elections and off-cycle polls.

Lawmakers, including Senate Committee Chairman Senator Simon Lalong, have expressed commitment to providing adequate funding while scrutinizing the proposals to ensure transparency and value for money.

Discussions highlighted concerns over the rising cost of elections, the envelope budgeting system, and the need for flexible funding to meet INEC’s constitutional mandate.

The Senate’s push for the extra ₦30 billion underscores ongoing efforts to bolster preparations for the 2027 elections, amid broader debates on electoral reforms, technology upgrades, and credible polling processes.

Stakeholders continue to monitor the appropriation process as the National Assembly works toward finalizing funding for what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most expensive electoral exercises to date.