- INEC seeks ₦873.78bn for nationwide polls
- Says law requires funding 360 days ahead
- Accountant-General risks zero allocation over delays
- 22 agencies face 2026 budget ban over audit breaches
The INEC 2027 election budget has sparked fresh tension in the National Assembly as lawmakers scrutinised the Commission’s request for ₦873.78 billion, while also threatening sanctions against government agencies accused of financial misconduct and delayed fund releases.
Tensions over public finance deepened on Tuesday as lawmakers questioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its proposed ₦873.78 billion budget for the 2027 general elections, even as the Senate and House of Representatives moved against agencies accused of financial lapses.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Presenting the proposal, Prof Joash Amupitan, Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, explained that the election budget is separate from INEC’s 2026 appropriation and is required by law to be approved early.
According to him, the Electoral Act 2022 mandates that election funds must be appropriated at least 360 days before a general election to allow proper planning and smooth nationwide operations.
“Early appropriation guarantees efficiency, transparency, and seamless conduct of elections across the country,” Amupitan told the joint committee.
He disclosed that INEC plans to spend ₦171 billion in 2026 on routine operations, including by-elections and off-cycle polls. However, the Ministry of Finance provided a budget envelope of ₦140 billion, which INEC says is insufficient.
Breaking down the ₦873.78 billion election budget, Amupitan said it covers:
- ₦379.7bn for operational costs
- ₦92.3bn for administrative expenses
- ₦209.2bn for election technology
- ₦154.9bn for capital items
- ₦42.6bn for miscellaneous needs
He noted that capital costs are higher because several essential items omitted in past budgets have now been captured.
The session was jointly chaired by Simon Bako Lalong and Adebayo Balogun.
Amupitan also clarified that the proposal does not include any fresh request from the NYSC for increased allowances for corps members serving as ad-hoc election staff.
Meanwhile, the Senate warned that the Accountant-General of the Federation could receive zero budgetary allocationif delays in releasing approved funds persist.
In a related development, the House of Representatives moved to bar 22 MDAs from participating in the 2026 budget process over unresolved audit breaches, while protesters accused finance officials of sabotaging the 2025 budget implementation.
Former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole also cautioned INEC against what he described as “mandate drift”, urging the Commission to remain focused on its core constitutional responsibilities.