Nigeria’s electoral commission has called for greater financial independence, warning that its ability to conduct free, fair and credible elections could remain compromised without full control over its funding.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission cannot be considered truly independent while it continues to rely on the country’s standard budget approval process. He argued that financial autonomy is critical to strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Abuja during the public presentation of Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023), a book by THISDAY Managing Director Eniola Bello, Amupitan said electoral credibility depends not only on legal reforms but also on giving institutions the operational freedom they need to perform effectively.
Although Nigeria’s Constitution provides that INEC’s funding comes from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, Amupitan noted that the commission still depends on annual appropriations and approvals from other government institutions. According to him, this arrangement limits the commission’s practical independence.
He explained that INEC’s responsibilities extend well beyond organising national elections. The commission also registers voters and political parties, monitors political party activities, maintains the national voter register and supports aspects of local government elections, making stable and independent funding increasingly important.
Amupitan stressed that improving Nigeria’s elections is a shared responsibility involving political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and citizens. He said the strength of these institutions collectively determines the health of the country’s democracy.
Referring to international democratic principles, he noted that credible elections require cooperation among government institutions, voters and organised political actors. He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure peaceful and transparent elections in 2027.
Addressing concerns over the appointment of INEC’s leadership, Amupitan said the Constitution already includes safeguards by requiring presidential appointments to be made in consultation with the Council of State and confirmed by the Senate. However, he argued that effective implementation of existing laws remains a greater challenge than introducing new ones.
He also praised Bello’s two-volume publication, describing it as an important contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development. The book chronicles the country’s political journey from the return to democratic rule in 1999 through 2023, offering lessons that could help improve future elections.
Amupitan concluded that every election presents an opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions and refine the electoral process, adding that institutional independence and cooperation remain essential to building public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
