Amupitan warns delayed funding could jeopardise 2027 Polls

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has stressed the critical importance of the timely release of election funds as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Monday at the Stakeholder Briefing and Presentation of the Annotated Peace Accord organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in Abuja, Amupitan said early access to resources remains fundamental to effective planning, procurement and logistics.

The event, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together political party leaders, heads of security agencies and civil society representatives, reflecting broad-based engagement ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Former Head of State and Chairman of the NPC, Abdulsalami Abubakar, was represented by the Committee’s Convener, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah.

Amupitan noted that the amended legal framework provides for improved funding timelines, adding that adherence to these provisions would strengthen operational preparedness and reduce avoidable disruptions.

He said the Commission requires early financial releases to finalise procurement processes, deploy materials, test technology, train personnel and coordinate logistics nationwide in a country with complex and diverse electoral terrain.

Beyond funding, the INEC Chairman appealed to the NPC and other stakeholders to intensify efforts at rebuilding public trust in the electoral system, describing the prevailing trust deficit as palpable.

“If voters will not participate, then whoever emerges, it is also in our own interest that everybody continues to participate. We’ll get it right one day,” he said.

He underscored that democratic consolidation depends not only on legality but also on legitimacy, calling for transparency in every stage of the electoral process.

“Let the process be so transparent that whoever emerges will not only have legality but legitimacy,” he stated, reiterating the Commission’s openness to constructive criticism.

Amupitan disclosed that nearly all National Commissioners, alongside senior management staff, attended the briefing, signalling the Commission’s commitment to sustained stakeholder engagement.

He also outlined ongoing measures to improve results management, sanitise the voter register, and combat misinformation and disinformation during elections.

He warned that false narratives could undermine public confidence and heighten tensions, noting continued collaboration with security agencies to address such challenges.

On electoral offences, particularly vote trading, the INEC Chairman reaffirmed that such practices remain criminal under Nigerian law and called for prompt investigation and prosecution.

Looking ahead, he described the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States as key milestones toward 2027, revealing that the Commission is considering additional technology testing, including mock exercises in selected polling units.

In his remarks, General Abdulsalami reaffirmed the NPC’s commitment to dialogue and preventive engagement, noting that the Peace Accord has played a stabilising role in Nigeria’s electoral process since 2015.

The stakeholder engagement forms part of INEC’s broader strategy to strengthen collaboration, reinforce peaceful conduct and ensure that preparations for the 2027 General Election proceed on a stable financial and institutional footing.