INEC unveils ₦873.78bn budget plan for 2027 general elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a total of ₦873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, with major spending projected for operations, technology and capital items.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, presented the proposal on Thursday before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly. The session was chaired by Senator Simon Bako Lalong alongside his House counterpart, Hon. Adebayo Balogun.
Amupitan said preparations for the 2027 polls were already underway, noting that the law requires that funding for elections be approved at least 360 days before the date fixed for the exercise. He stressed that early appropriation would enable proper planning and smooth execution of the nationwide process.
READ ALSO: 2027 Polls: INEC relocates registration units across wards in Yobe
A breakdown of the proposal shows that election operations take the largest portion with ₦375.75 billion for activities directly connected to conducting the polls.
Administrative expenses are estimated at ₦92.31 billion, while ₦209.21 billion is allocated for technology, underscoring the commission’s continued deployment of tech-driven systems.
The electoral body also set aside ₦154.90 billion for capital costs. Together, the four main components come to ₦832.17 billion.
In addition, INEC earmarked ₦41.61 billion for miscellaneous expenses, pushing the overall budget proposal to ₦873.78 billion.
Amupitan explained that the capital allocation is higher than in previous election budgets because several items that were not fully accommodated before have now been consolidated into the 2027 proposal.
He added that the relevant budget codes indicate that election operations fall within 230101 to 230601; administrative costs between 230703 and 230812; technology expenses from 230707 to 230811; capital costs from 230198 to 320201; and miscellaneous expenditures under code 230725.
READ ALSO: INEC declares Soludo winner of Anambra governorship election
According to the INEC chairman, fuller details of the planned spending, including line items and activities, are contained in the document submitted to lawmakers.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
