Presenting the commission’s proposed 2027 election budget before the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters, Amupitan broke down the massive proposal and defended the figures amid probing questions from lawmakers on funding gaps, electronic transmission readiness and allowances for ad-hoc staff.
He said the proposed budget, submitted in line with the Electoral Act 2022 which requires election funds to be appropriated 360 days before the polls, was carefully structured under four major heads, saying, “Credible polls come at a cost and must be funded early to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy”.
According to him, election operations cost accounts for N375.75 billion, election administrative cost for N92.31 billion, election technology cost for N209.21 billion, and election capital cost for N154.90 billion.
In addition, a miscellaneous provision of N41.01 billion brings the grand total to N873,778,401,602.08.
“If you want to predict the future, it is necessary to create it early. Preparation for the 2027 election has already started.
“The wisdom of the National Assembly in making provision 360 days before the election date is to ensure that we do not run into avoidable crises,” he said.
The INEC chairman explained that the capital component appears higher because many items that could not be accommodated in previous budgets had now been captured under the 2027 election framework.
A significant portion of the budget is earmarked for technology, reflecting the commission’s commitment to electronic transmission of results under the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act.
Responding to concerns about INEC’s capacity to fully implement electronic transmission nationwide, Amupitan admitted that building independent infrastructure would be expensive but necessary if the commission is to be held fully accountable.
He said, “We do not even have a network of our own. Assuming we control the network system and are not dictated to by primary and secondary providers, then INEC should be held 100 per cent responsible for whatever happens. But the cost of establishing such infrastructure is enormous.”
He urged the lawmakers to ensure adequate appropriation, stressing that the current “envelope system” imposed by the Ministry of Finance constrains the commission’s operational independence.
One of the most contentious aspects of the presentation was INEC’s proposal to significantly increase allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other ad hoc staff who serve as presiding officers and polling officials.
Amupitan disclosed that the commission is proposing to pay each corps member and other adhoc staff, N127,000 for election duties covering five days of training and two days of polling.
The breakdown includes N50,000 for election duty, N5,000 for training allowance, and feeding allowances amounting to about N9,500, among other components.
With about 450,000 corps members projected to be engaged nationwide, the proposal translates to roughly N32 billion.
The joint committee also considered a motion urging full implementation of INEC’s first-line charge status to guarantee financial autonomy
Lawmakers acknowledged that the integrity of elections begins at the polling units and hinges largely on the conduct of presiding officers.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun said, “The pyramids of elections are the polling units and the masters of the polling units are the presiding officers.”
He warned that poorly paid ad hoc staff could be vulnerable to inducements.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong, assured INEC of legislative backing and announced that the conference committee on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill would commence meetings on Monday to harmonise the Senate and House versions.
He urged the electoral body to brace up for heightened scrutiny as the 2027 polls draw closer.
“INEC is now the main institution between now and next year. It is going to get tougher. We will continue to give you all necessary support legislatively, but Nigerians are watching”, he said.
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