The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed N873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, presented the estimate on Thursday before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters during the defence of the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal.
According to the breakdown, operational expenses account for N375.75 billion, administrative costs N92.31 billion, technology N209.21 billion, and capital expenditure N154.9 billion. An additional N41.61 billion was earmarked for miscellaneous expenses, bringing the total to N873.78 billion.
Amupitan explained that the election budget is separate from the proposed N171 billion for INEC’s 2026 routine activities, including by-elections and off-cycle polls. He noted that the early submission complies with the Electoral Act, which requires the Commission to present election estimates at least one year before the polls.
Lawmakers said the proposal would undergo thorough review before approval. The committee also indicated it would examine funding for about 450,000 National Youth Service Corps members expected to serve as ad hoc staff, with each projected to receive N127,000 plus allowances for feeding and training.
The presentation comes amid ongoing legislative work to harmonise amendments to the Electoral Act, including provisions for electronic transmission of results, after both chambers adopted differing versions of the bill.
