… Presents ₦171bn 2026 budget
ABUJA; The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a staggering ₦873.778 billion as the estimated cost of conducting Nigeria’s 2027 general election, as preparations gradually gather momentum.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the figure on Thursday while defending the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
He clarified that the ₦873.778 billion projection is separate from the Commission’s 2026 operational budget, stressing that it represents anticipated expenditure strictly for the 2027 polls.
According to him, INEC intends to spend ₦171 billion in 2026 to fund its statutory activities, including off-cycle governorship elections and by-elections expected within the year.
Amupitan further explained that the 2027 election estimate does not include a fresh request from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which is seeking an upward review of allowances for corps members deployed as ad-hoc electoral personnel.
Responding, lawmakers pledged legislative backing for the electoral body. Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Lalong, assured the Commission of the National Assembly’s cooperation to ensure adequate support for the successful conduct of credible elections.
Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Bayo Balogun, expressed readiness to support the proposal but cautioned against unrealistic projections that may prove difficult to implement.
The joint committee underscored the need for accountability, prudent planning and transparency as early groundwork for the 2027 general election intensifies.
