The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is awaiting about N371 billion in outstanding funds from its N873.78 billion budget for the 2027 general elections, with 111 days to the January 16 presidential and National Assembly polls.
The commission has so far received more than N500 billion, representing about 60 per cent of the proposed election budget. INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, confirmed in August that the commission was still awaiting the balance.
The outstanding funds are needed as the commission continues preparations involving Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), electoral materials, technology, logistics, contractors, voter education and other election-related activities.
INEC had proposed N873.78 billion for the elections, including about N375.75 billion for election operations, N92.31 billion for administration, N209.21 billion for technology, N154.90 billion for capital expenditure and about N41 billion for miscellaneous expenses.
The commission’s funding concerns have gained renewed attention after INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, warned that adequate funding was critical to election logistics and security.
Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, on September 23, Amupitan said financial resources were necessary for the deployment of electoral personnel and materials to local government areas, wards, registration areas and polling units. He added that inadequate logistics could undermine an election even where security agencies successfully maintained peace.
Amupitan also urged stronger coordination among INEC and security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), while calling for adequate resources to enable the agencies to perform their responsibilities.
INEC has nevertheless continued its preparations for the polls. The commission’s official election calendar confirms that the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6.
The commission has also said preparations are progressing under its revised timetable, including voter registration-related activities, PVC preparations and procurement of electoral materials.
The Electoral Act 2026 provides that funds due to INEC for a general election should be released not later than six months before the election. INEC’s August disclosure that it had received only part of its election funds therefore puts attention on the timing of the outstanding payment as the January poll approaches.
With the first round of voting now 111 days away, the immediate funding issue is whether the outstanding N371 billion will be released in time to support INEC’s remaining procurement, logistics, technology and security-related preparations.
