INEC proposes N873.78bn for 2027 elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a total budget of N873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, with major allocations for election operations, technology, and capital expenditure.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who presented before the joint committee on Electoral Matters of the Senate and House of Representatives at the National Assembly on Thursday, said preparations for the 2027 polls have already begun in accordance with statutory requirements that mandate election funding be approved at least 360 days before the scheduled date.
The committee budget defense was chaired by Senator Simon Bako Lalong and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adebayo Balogun.
He emphasized that early appropriation is essential to ensure proper planning and smooth execution of the nationwide elections.
According to the proposed budget summary, the Commission divided the funds into four main components.
Election operations represent the largest portion, with N375.75 billion allocated to activities directly related to conducting the polls.
Election administrative costs are estimated at N92.31 billion, while election technology expenses are projected at N209.21 billion, showcasing the Commission’s ongoing reliance on technology-driven processes.
INEC also proposed N154.90 billion for election capital costs.
Altogether, the four primary components total N832.17 billion. Amupitan noted that an additional N41.61 billion has been allocated for miscellaneous expenses, bringing the total proposed budget for the 2027 general elections to N873.78 billion.
He pointed out that the capital component of the proposal is considerably higher than in previous budgets, clarifying that many capital items not adequately captured in earlier appropriations have now been consolidated into the 2027 election budget.
He provided detailed breakdown codes for each category, stating that election operations fall under codes 230101 to 230601; administrative costs under 230703 to 230812; technology costs under 230707 to 230811; capital costs under 230198 to 320201; and miscellaneous expenses under 230725.
According to him, detailed explanations of the proposed expenditures, including specific activities and cost items, are included on pages one to five of the submitted document.
