The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has expressed concern over the increasing loss of experienced staff to migration, urging improved funding and better welfare packages ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja.
He called for stronger financial support for the electoral commission, warning that inadequate salaries and welfare have contributed to the departure of skilled personnel, creating the risk of a growing shortage of experienced staff as many approach retirement.
According to him, improving staff welfare and offering competitive remuneration would help retain qualified employees, improve morale and strengthen public confidence in the commission.
The INEC chairman urged the RMAFC to support increased and sustainable funding, noting that the commission’s responsibilities go beyond conducting elections to include continuous voter registration, political party registration and managing election-related legal matters.
He explained that INEC operates offices in the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government responsible for funding its nationwide operations.
Amupitan added that the commission requires greater investment in infrastructure, electoral technology and continuous staff training to improve efficiency and preserve institutional experience.
He also revealed that governorship elections often cost more to conduct than the combined presidential and National Assembly elections, adding that INEC also bears expenses arising from pre-election activities and post-election litigation.
Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to credible elections, Amupitan announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
He further disclosed that the Osun State governorship election will be held on August 15, 2026, noting that recent elections conducted by INEC, including the Ekiti governorship election and several bye-elections, received positive assessments both locally and internationally.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, praised INEC for sustaining Nigeria’s electoral process since 1999 and assured the commission of continued collaboration in support of credible elections.
He acknowledged the scale of INEC’s responsibilities across the country, describing its nationwide operations as a significant undertaking that requires adequate support.
Shehu reaffirmed RMAFC’s commitment to working closely with the electoral body to help it fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.
