The Pathfinder
Friday February 13, 2026
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has projected a total of ₦873.778 billion as the estimated cost for conducting the 2027 general elections.
The Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, presented this figure on Thursday during a budget defense session before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
He clarified that this massive election-specific budget is entirely separate from the ₦171 billion the Commission is requesting for its 2026 fiscal operations, which cover routine administrative tasks, by-elections, and off-cycle polls.
The proposed 2027 expenditure is structured into five core components, with the largest portion, ₦379.748 billion, allocated to operational expenses. Technology, a frequent point of public debate, accounts for ₦209.206 billion, while capital expenditure, administrative costs, and miscellaneous items make up the remainder.
Notably, the current ₦874 billion estimate does not include an additional ₦32 billion requested by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to raise election duty allowances for corps members to ₦125,000.
Beyond the financial figures, Prof. Amupitan made a strategic case for the development of an independent communications network for the Commission.
He argued that having a dedicated infrastructure would enhance transparency and ensure that Nigerians can hold the electoral body directly accountable in the event of technical failures, rather than relying on external service providers.
He also criticized the current “envelope” budgeting system, which he argued fails to provide the flexibility required for the urgent operational realities of an electoral body.
Lawmakers at the session generally supported the need for robust funding. Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Representative Billy Osawaru both advocated for removing INEC from rigid external financial frameworks, suggesting that its budget should be treated as a “first-line charge” to ensure full and timely releases.
This support was met with a motion by the Joint Committee to recommend a one-time release of the Commission’s annual funds.
However, the session also featured a sharp warning regarding public trust. Representative Bayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, cautioned the Commission against making technical promises it might struggle to fulfill.
Recalling the controversy surrounding the IReV portal during the last general election, Balogun noted that while the portal was prominent in INEC’s regulations, it was not strictly mandated by the Electoral Act.
He urged the Commission to be mindful of how its public commitments shape voter expectations.
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