By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), has appealed to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission for increased and consistent funding to bolster the commission’s operations.
Professor Amupitan made the plea during a courtesy visit to the RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. He noted that the visit was strategic to deepening the existing collaboration between the two federal bodies.
The INEC boss lamented the financial burden on the electoral umpire, disclosing that the cost of conducting governorship elections frequently exceeds the combined expenditure for Presidential and National Assembly polls. He added that the commission is also saddled with the financial implications of pre- and post-election litigations, including cases arising from party primaries.
Furthermore, Professor Amupitan stressed the urgent need for enhanced welfare packages for the commission’s workforce. He warned that the lack of competitive remuneration had led to a brain drain, with many experienced staff members migrating for greener pastures.
He cautioned that the country risks a widening skill gap within the commission as more seasoned personnel approach retirement age.
In his response, the RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, lauded INEC for its consistency in the discharge of its mandate since the return to civil rule in 1999. He pledged the support of the commission toward ensuring INEC conducts free, fair, and credible polls in 2027.
Dr. Shehu acknowledged the enormous responsibilities and operational demands of the electoral body, given its nationwide presence and the logistical complexities of conducting elections at federal, state, and local government levels.
He assured the INEC Chairman and his team that the doors of the RMAFC remained open for continued engagement to ensure the electoral body is adequately supported to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
