Senate Seeks Additional ₦30 Billion for INEC to Conduct 2027 Election

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Senate has moved to increase funding for the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 general elections, seeking an additional ₦30 billion to support the exercise, Feb. 24, 2026. Lawmakers said the proposed increase is tied to logistical requirements ahead of the nationwide polls.

The move was initiated by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, which cited rising operational and logistics costs as the basis for the request.

INEC had earlier proposed a total budget of about ₦873 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections. The commission presented the figure as covering expenses related to personnel, training, procurement of election materials, technology deployment and nationwide logistics.

The Senate’s request would raise the proposed election budget to approximately ₦903 billion, subject to approval in the ongoing appropriation process.

The push for additional funding comes as lawmakers continue deliberations on the national budget and preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum.

Further details are expected as discussions continue.