The Independent National Electoral Commission has told the National Assembly that it will need N873.78 billion to organise the 2027 general elections. The commission also proposed N171 billion for its routine operations in the 2026 fiscal year.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed while defending the commission’s 2026 budget proposal and the projected cost of the 2027 polls before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja.
The proposed N873.78 billion marks a sharp rise compared to the N313.4 billion approved by the Federal Government for the 2023 general elections. Yakubu explained that the 2027 budget will cover all aspects of the nationwide polls, while the N171 billion for 2026 will fund regular activities, including by-elections and off-season governorship polls.
He clarified that the proposal does not include a fresh request by the National Youth Service Corps for an increase in allowances for corps members who serve as ad hoc staff during elections.
According to him, the projected election cost is divided into five major areas: N379.75 billion for operations, N92.32 billion for administration, N209.21 billion for technology, N154.91 billion for capital expenses, and N42.61 billion for other related costs.
Yakubu noted that the budget was prepared in line with the Electoral Act 2022, which requires the commission to submit its election estimates at least one year before a general election.
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On the 2026 budget, he revealed that although the Ministry of Finance proposed a N140 billion spending limit, INEC’s total estimate stands at N171 billion. The breakdown includes N109 billion for personnel, N18.7 billion for overheads, N42.63 billion for election-related activities, and N1.4 billion for capital projects.
The INEC chairman criticised the envelope budgeting system, saying it does not suit the commission’s operations, which often demand urgent and flexible funding. He also pointed to the lack of a dedicated communication network as a major challenge, stressing that having one would improve transparency and accountability during elections.
During the session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, said INEC’s budgeting process should not be controlled by external agencies, given its sensitive responsibilities. He urged lawmakers to discard the envelope budgeting model to prevent underfunding.
Also speaking, a member of the House of Representatives from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, called for INEC’s budget to be placed on first-line charge in line with constitutional provisions to ensure the timely release of funds ahead of the 2027 elections.
The joint committee adopted a motion recommending a one-time release of the commission’s yearly allocation. Lawmakers also said they would consider the NYSC’s request for about N32 billion to raise allowances for corps members involved in election duties to N125,000.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Lalong, assured the commission of legislative backing to guarantee a smooth 2027 general election. Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Bayo Balogun, pledged support but advised the commission to avoid making promises it may not be able to keep.
