…Seeks ₦1.04tr budget
Nigeria’s march toward the 2027 general election has formally commenced, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcing February 20, 2027, as the date for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will be held on March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, unveiled the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday, describing the announcement as a constitutional obligation and “a significant milestone in our democratic journey”.
The elections will cover the offices of President and Vice President; Governors and Deputy Governors (except in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states); members of the Senate and House of Representatives; and members of State Houses of Assembly.
Amupitan explained that the release of the notice complies with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates publication at least 360 days before the election date. He addressed recent speculation over election dates, warning against the circulation of unofficial timetables and reaffirming that only INEC has the constitutional authority to fix election dates.
While noting that amendments to the Electoral Act are currently before the 10th National Assembly, the INEC chairman said the Commission would continue to operate within the existing legal framework until any changes are formally enacted.
INEC had earlier disclosed that it had finalised its election timetable despite the delay in passing the amended Electoral Act. However, it conceded that certain aspects of the schedule could be affected depending on the outcome of legislative action.
Under the approved timetable, political parties are expected to conduct primaries within the statutory window, submit nomination forms as scheduled, and adhere strictly to campaign timelines, which must end 24 hours before Election Day. The Commission warned that it would enforce compliance without hesitation.
Amupitan outlined key priorities for the 2027 polls, including expanded deployment of technology, continuous updating of the National Register of Voters, strengthened collaboration with security agencies, and intensified voter education.
As preparations gather momentum, INEC has proposed a total expenditure of ₦1.04 trillion to cover the 2027 general election, off-cycle elections, and other operational needs, subject to approval by the National Assembly.
Defending the proposal before the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters, Amupitan said the Commission is seeking: ₦873.778 billion for the 2027 general election; ₦171 billion for 2026 operations, including off-cycle elections. The 2027 election budget includes: ₦379.748 billion for operational costs; ₦92.317 billion for administrative expenses, ₦209.206 billion for technology, ₦905 billion for capital costs, and ₦42.608 billion for miscellaneous expenses. The 2026 operational budget will cater for personnel costs, overheads, and elections such as the FCT Area Council polls, by-elections, and the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.
Amupitan criticised the “envelope budgeting’ system, arguing that it is unsuitable for the Commission’s mandate, which often requires urgent financial interventions. He urged lawmakers to approve and ensure timely, full release of funds to avoid disruptions in preparations. He also identified the absence of a dedicated communication network as a major operational challenge, stressing that an independent network would enhance transparency and accountability.
Following deliberations, the joint committee approved a Motion recommending a one-time release of INEC’s annual budget, and pledged to consider the Commission’s request for increased allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed for election duties.
Chairmen of both the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters assured INEC of legislative backing, while cautioning the Commission against overpromising on technological deliverables.
