The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N1.04 trillion to fund off-cycle elections, preparations for the 2027 general election, and other operational needs, subject to approval by the National Assembly.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made the request while defending the commission’s spending proposal before the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters.

Amupitan urged lawmakers to approve the proposal and ensure the timely and full release of funds. He explained that the operational budget would cover elections in the Federal Capital Territory area councils, upcoming by-elections, as well as the governorship polls in Ekiti State and Osun State scheduled for June and September.

He presented a detailed breakdown of the proposed N873.778 billion earmarked for the 2027 general election, including N379.748 billion for operational costs, N92.317 billion for administrative expenses, N209.206 billion for technology, N154.905 billion for capital expenditure, and N42.608 billion for miscellaneous expenses.

For the N171 billion proposed for 2026 operations, Amupitan said N109 billion would be allocated to personnel costs, N18.7 billion to overheads, N42.63 billion to election conduct, and N1.4 billion to capital projects.

He noted that the budget was prepared in line with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires election budgets to be submitted at least one year before a general election.

The INEC chairman criticised the envelope system of budgeting, describing it as unsuitable for the commission’s work, which often requires urgent financial intervention.

“The nature of our work demands prompt access to funds,” he said, appealing for the immediate release of approved allocations.

Amupitan also identified the absence of a dedicated communication network as a major operational challenge, noting that an independent system would improve accountability.

“If we have our own network, Nigerians can hold us responsible for any hitch,” he said.