The Independent National Electoral Commission has disclosed that it is yet to receive the budgetary allocation required for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, even as it continues preparations to ensure the polls are successfully conducted. The commission made the disclosure during a cross-sectoral interactive session in Abuja organised by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa in partnership with Legis360, where political parties, civil society organisations and electoral officials reviewed the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election and discussed preparations for the 2027 polls.
INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Mohammed Haruna, explained that although the commission has not yet received the election funds, the delay remains within the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires that funds for a general election be released no later than six months before the polls. He expressed confidence that the commission’s preparations would not be disrupted by the current funding situation.
The electoral body had earlier proposed a budget of ₦873.78 billion for the 2027 general elections. The proposed expenditure covers election operations, technology, capital projects and other logistics considered necessary to conduct a credible nationwide election. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Haruna revealed that INEC has already commenced procurement plans for critical election equipment, particularly new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices to replace those that were damaged, lost or never returned after previous elections. According to him, the commission’s Director of Information and Communication Technology recently visited China to facilitate the procurement process because the production and delivery of the machines require significant time.
He also disclosed that INEC intends to conduct mock presidential election exercises ahead of the 2027 polls to thoroughly test its technology and operational systems. The exercise is aimed at preventing a repeat of the technical challenges experienced with the INEC Result Viewing Portal during the 2023 presidential election and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
Despite awaiting the release of funds, the commission maintained that planning for the 2027 general elections remains on course. INEC reiterated its commitment to improving election administration through better technology, enhanced logistics and early preparation, while expressing optimism that the required funding will be released within the timeframe stipulated by law.
