2027 Elections: INEC Chairman Says Financial Autonomy Is Key to Credible Polls

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned that the commission cannot function as a truly independent electoral body without full financial autonomy, arguing that its current funding structure could affect preparations for credible elections in 2027.

Speaking at the public presentation of Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023), a book written by THISDAY Managing Director, Mr. Eniola Bello, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Amupitan said the debate on electoral reforms should go beyond legal amendments to include the financial independence of the electoral commission.

According to him, while the Constitution provides that INEC’s funding comes from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the commission still depends on the regular budget approval process, a situation he believes limits its operational independence.

“Can INEC truly be independent without financial autonomy? If we are serious about strengthening our institutions and conducting free, fair and credible elections, then financial autonomy is essential,” Amupitan said.

He explained that INEC’s responsibilities extend far beyond conducting presidential and governorship elections. The commission also registers voters and political parties, monitors party activities, maintains the national voter register and performs other constitutional duties that require uninterrupted funding.

“For these reasons, there is a strong case for giving INEC greater operational and financial autonomy to improve efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process,” he added.

Amupitan also stressed that credible elections cannot be achieved by INEC alone. He said political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and citizens all have critical roles to play in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.

“When we talk about strengthening institutions, people often focus only on INEC. But the media, security agencies, civil society organisations and the Nigerian people are equally important. The health of our democracy depends on the strength of all these institutions working together,” he said.

Referencing international democratic standards, the INEC chairman noted that the Inter-Parliamentary Council has consistently emphasised that building democratic institutions is a shared responsibility among governments, political actors and voters. He maintained that cooperation among all stakeholders would be essential to delivering peaceful, free and credible elections in 2027.

On the appointment of INEC officials, Amupitan said the Constitution already contains safeguards, requiring the President to appoint the Chairman and National Commissioners in consultation with the Council of State and subject to Senate confirmation. He, however, argued that the bigger challenge lies in how existing laws are implemented rather than in the legal framework itself.