Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has submitted a proposed budget of ₦873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections.
The commission also requested ₦171 billion for its 2026 operations, including bye-elections and off-season polls.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan presented these figures to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja, in line with the Electoral Act 2022, which requires election budgets to be prepared at least one year in advance.
A breakdown of the proposed ₦873.78 billion shows that ₦379.75 billion is earmarked for operational costs, ₦92.32 billion for administrative expenses, ₦209.21 billion for technological costs, ₦154.91 billion for election capital costs, and ₦42.61 billion for miscellaneous expenses.
In addition to the 2027 election budget, the commission is seeking ₦171 billion to fund its 2026 operations.
This includes ₦109 billion for personnel costs, ₦18.7 billion for overheads, ₦42.63 billion for election-related activities such as bye-elections and off-season polls, and ₦1.4 billion for capital expenditure.
However, INEC disclosed that the Ministry of Finance has provided a budget envelope of ₦140 billion for 2026, which the commission considers insufficient.
The electoral body stressed the need for urgent and flexible funding to adequately prepare for upcoming electoral activities and ensure a smooth transition into the 2027 general elections.
