Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, appealed for increased and predictable funding from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Tuesday, saying stronger financial support is critical to preparing for Nigeria's 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu in Abuja, Amupitan said INEC's nationwide constitutional responsibilities—including elections, continuous voter registration and political party registration—require sustained investment.

He noted the commission maintains offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government bearing the full operational costs.
The INEC chairman also called for improved staff welfare, warning that inadequate remuneration has contributed to the loss of experienced personnel through migration and could widen institutional skill gaps as more staff approach retirement.

He urged greater investment in electoral technology, infrastructure and personnel training to strengthen the commission's capacity and safeguard institutional knowledge ahead of the 2027 polls.

Responding, Shehu pledged RMAFC's continued support, commending INEC for conducting elections consistently since 1999 and acknowledging the scale of its nationwide responsibilities. Amupitan said the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for Jan. 16, 2027, followed by governorship and state assembly elections on Feb. 6, 2027, while Osun State's off-cycle governorship election will hold on Aug. 15, 2026.