ABUJA — Anxiety is mounting over the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, following delays in the release of funds to the electoral body.
With less than ten weeks to the Ekiti governorship election slated for June 18 and about four months to the Osun poll, stakeholders have warned that the funding delay could disrupt critical pre-election operations.
Findings show that although provisions for the elections were captured in the 2026 national budget, no disbursement had been made to the Commission as at the end of March.
The development has heightened concerns among election observers and civil society groups, who note that late funding has historically resulted in logistical challenges, technical failures and administrative lapses.
Experts say timely funding is crucial for the procurement of sensitive materials, deployment of logistics and training of ad hoc staff, all of which require months of preparation.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, had earlier disclosed that the Commission proposed ₦873.78 billion for the 2027 general elections, separate from its ₦171 billion allocation for routine operations in 2026, which includes the Ekiti and Osun elections.
However, uncertainty remains over when funds will be released and the actual amounts that will be approved.
Sources within the Commission revealed that internal adjustments are already underway, with some timelines under review as INEC grapples with the funding constraints.
Officials warned that staggered releases could force compromises that may affect the quality of election delivery.
The situation is further complicated by prevailing economic pressures, including rising inflation, high fuel costs and exchange rate volatility, which have significantly increased the cost of election logistics and procurement. Analysts caution that delays in funding could render initial budget estimates inadequate.
Civil society organisations have warned that funding gaps could undermine recent gains in electoral reforms, stressing that credible elections depend not only on laws and technology but also on adequate financial backing.
Opposition figures have also called for transparency and accountability in the management of election funds, warning that large budgets without proper oversight could erode public confidence.
Analysts listed likely consequences of delayed funding to include late delivery of election materials, inadequate staff training, possible technical failures and reduced voter confidence.
As Nigeria prepares for another election cycle, stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to ensure early and full release of funds, adopt flexible budgeting in line with economic realities and strengthen oversight mechanisms to guarantee credible elections.
