The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has expressed concerns about the transparency in the management of funds and procurement of election materials by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Clement Nwankwo, director of PLAC, made these remarks on Wednesday while speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show. This comes after INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan briefed Nigerians on the commission’s preparations for the elections.
INEC’s official election calendar currently lists 16 January 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and 6 February 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. According to Mr Nwankwo, while adequate funding is crucial for the conduct of elections, Nigerians should also be able to scrutinise how INEC spends the funds allocated to it. He stressed the need for transparency in the procurement process.
Mr Nwankwo raised questions about the vendors supplying election materials and whether they are partisan. He also asked if it is indeed the commission that is making these procurements or if there are people outside of the commission making these procurements on its behalf. INEC should disclose the vendors and ensure that political parties have sufficient information about the procurement process.
Transparency is particularly important for sensitive election materials due to their potential impact on the integrity of the electoral process. Mr Nwankwo also raised concerns about the enforcement of campaign spending limits under the Electoral Act 2026. The law sets spending limits for candidates, but INEC has a responsibility to issue guidelines and monitor compliance.
Under section 92 of the Electoral Act 2026, presidential candidates are subject to a maximum campaign expenditure limit of N10 billion, while candidates for governor are subject to a N3 billion limit. Mr Nwankwo said INEC should have mechanisms for monitoring campaign spending, including expenditure on billboards, television and radio advertising.
Candidates and political parties are required to submit expenditure reports and could face sanctions where they violate the law. Mr Nwankwo also criticised the absence of an Electoral Offences Commission, which would strengthen enforcement of electoral laws. The Electoral Reform Commission had made recommendations on creating an Electoral Offences Commission.
The National Assembly has had debates twice in two sessions about setting up the Electoral Offences Commission, but it has not happened. In January, the Youth Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija) also called for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission as part of its recommendations for electoral reform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Key points
- Transparency in fund management and procurement of election materials is crucial for the integrity of the electoral process.
- INEC should disclose vendors supplying election materials and ensure that political parties have sufficient information about the procurement process.
- The absence of an Electoral Offences Commission weakens enforcement of electoral laws.
