The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, says INEC cannot be truly independent unless it has financial autonomy, warning that dependence on the normal budgetary process weakens the Commission and threatens credible elections in 2027.
Amupitan made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja during the public presentation of _Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023)_, a book authored by THISDAY Managing Director, Mr. Eniola Bello. The event was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
Delivering the keynote address, Amupitan shifted the conversation from electoral law reforms to a more fundamental issue: how INEC is funded.
“Can INEC truly be independent without financial autonomy? If we are serious about strengthening our institutions and conducting free, fair and credible elections, then financial autonomy is essential,” he said.
He noted that while the Constitution places INEC’s funding on the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the Commission still has to go through the regular appropriation process. In practice, he argued, that arrangement does not guarantee real independence.
“The Constitution places INEC’s funding on the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and many believe that is sufficient. However, experience has shown that as long as INEC remains subject to the normal appropriation process and depends on budgetary approvals by other institutions, genuine financial independence remains difficult,” Amupitan said.
The INEC chairman stressed that the Commission’s mandate goes far beyond election day. INEC conducts federal and state elections, supports local government polls in some areas, registers voters and political parties, monitors party activities, and maintains the national voter register used across the country.
“Given the scope of these responsibilities, there is a strong case for giving INEC greater operational and financial autonomy to improve efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
With preparations for the 2027 general election already underway, Amupitan said reforms to how INEC is funded would help the Commission plan better, procure materials on time, and respond more effectively to challenges.
Amupitan also cautioned against putting the entire burden of credible elections on INEC alone. He said democracy relies on a wider ecosystem of institutions.
“When we talk about strengthening institutions, there are several institutions involved in the conduct of elections. Most times, people think only of the Independent National Electoral Commission, but beyond INEC, we also have the media, the security agencies, civil society organisations and, indeed, the Nigerian people. The health of our democracy is reflected in the strength of this wider institutional framework,” he said.
Citing principles from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, he said building democratic institutions is a shared responsibility of government, voters, and organized political forces.
“Therefore, if we truly want the 2027 elections to be free, fair, credible and peaceful, all these institutions must work together,” he added.
Addressing concerns about how INEC leadership is appointed, Amupitan said the Constitution already provides safeguards. The President appoints the Chairman and National Commissioners in consultation with the Council of State, subject to Senate confirmation
He referenced former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who had argued that Nigeria’s problem is less about replacing the Constitution and more about upholding both its spirit and the Electoral Act.
Amupitan described Bello’s book as a timely contribution to democratic discourse. At over 900 pages, _Shadows_ documents Nigeria’s political journey from 1999 to 2023 and offers lessons as the country heads toward 2027.
“Every election teaches us lessons, and every electoral cycle provides an opportunity to improve on the last,” he said.
The call for INEC’s financial autonomy has been made by civil society groups and some lawmakers in previous election cycles. The argument is that direct funding from the Federation Account, without going through the annual budget process, would insulate the Commission from political pressure and delays.
As the 2027 elections approach, Amupitan’s remarks are likely to reignite debate in the National Assembly about amending the Electoral Act to grant INEC that independence.
For now, he said, the goal is clear: strengthen institutions, secure funding, and ensure that all stakeholders — from political parties to voters — play their part.