The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has stressed the importance of adequate funding for the 2027 general election. He stated this in Owerri, Imo State, at the sixth edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers. The event's theme was 'Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections.' Amupitan's remarks were contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola.
Amupitan noted that adequate funding is crucial for deploying personnel and electoral materials to local government areas, wards, registration areas, and polling units. He explained that while INEC's funding is constitutionally provided as a first-line charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund, sustained financial support is necessary for effective election conduct. The INEC chairman emphasized that the commission's responsibilities require significant funding to ensure the success of the electoral process.
The INEC chairman highlighted the commission's statutory powers to request security agencies for elections and voter registration, making security an integral part of the electoral process. He noted that financial constraints can limit the commission's ability to carry out its responsibilities. Amupitan added that INEC is responsible for presidential and National Assembly elections, governorship and state House of Assembly elections, voter registration, and the registration of political parties.
Amupitan stressed that voter registration is the foundation of credible elections, and an inaccurate or outdated voters' register can undermine the inclusiveness of the electoral process. He argued that election expenditure, including security-related costs, should be approached as a collective national responsibility. This is because INEC conducts elections affecting the three tiers of government.
According to Amupitan, even with security agencies maintaining peace, inadequate logistics can still undermine the conduct of an election. He stated that INEC has made both security and logistics priorities under his leadership. The commission is working with the government and security agencies to ensure that operational challenges do not undermine the 2027 polls.
Amupitan highlighted the role of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), which brings INEC and relevant security and government agencies together to coordinate election security. The committee operates at federal, state, and local government levels, with the Inspector-General of Police participating at the national level. ICCES was established after the 2011 general election following concerns over post-election violence.
Amupitan's call for adequate funding comes as INEC prepares for the 2027 general election. The commission is working to ensure that the electoral process is secure and successful. Key to this effort is the collaboration between INEC, security agencies, and the government to address the challenges facing the electoral process.
Key points
- Adequate funding is critical for election security and logistics.
- INEC conducts elections affecting the three tiers of government.
- Voter registration is the foundation of credible elections.
