The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, appeared before the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters of the National Assembly at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where he presented a proposed ₦873.78 billion—approximately ₦874 billion—budget estimate for the conduct of the 2027 polls. The figure, described as provisional and subject to further legislative scrutiny, represents one of the largest single allocations ever projected for an electoral cycle in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Addressing lawmakers during the session, Amupitan explained that the proposal reflects prevailing macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary trends, foreign exchange fluctuations, rising logistics costs, and expanded security deployments. He emphasized that conducting elections across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory requires early procurement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, training of personnel, and technological upgrades.
According to the breakdown submitted to lawmakers, ₦379.75 billion is allocated for core election operations, covering the printing of ballot papers, deployment of electoral officers, transportation of materials to remote communities, and field logistics. ₦209.21 billion is designated for technology, including upgrades to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), server maintenance, data storage expansion, cybersecurity safeguards, and enhancements to electronic result transmission infrastructure. ₦154.91 billion is projected for capital expenditure, ₦92.32 billion for administrative costs, and ₦42.61 billion categorized under miscellaneous expenses.
INEC officials noted that one of the most significant cost drivers remains security. Elections in Nigeria typically require large-scale deployments of personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, armed forces, and other security agencies, especially in states affected by insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, and separatist tensions. States in the North-West and North-East, as well as parts of the South-East, were specifically referenced during discussions as areas where enhanced security coordination may be required.
Lawmakers from various geopolitical zones expressed concern over the scale of the budget amid Nigeria’s fiscal pressures. Members questioned whether certain technology costs could be streamlined and whether domestic production of materials could reduce reliance on foreign exchange. Some legislators also requested detailed justification for allowances payable to National Youth Service Corps members who traditionally serve as ad hoc election staff.
The National Assembly committees resolved to subject the proposal to line-by-line examination during subsequent appropriation sessions expected to continue into the second quarter of 2026. Several lawmakers insisted that transparency and cost-efficiency must guide the final approval process, particularly given public concerns about government spending.
The budget debate unfolds against a volatile political backdrop.
Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), internal consultations have intensified in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and other state capitals as party leaders quietly position themselves ahead of the 2027 contest. Membership registration exercises and reconciliation meetings have taken place in several state chapters, with governors and influential stakeholders consolidating control over party structures. Political observers note that zoning debates and succession calculations are already shaping alliances within the ruling party.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to grapple with a protracted leadership crisis. On 30 January 2026, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja delivered a ruling that upheld the leadership of a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The judgment recognized the camp led by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a decision that further deepened divisions within the party.
Prior to the ruling, tensions had escalated following disciplinary measures and expulsions involving prominent PDP governors, including Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State. Parallel meetings were reportedly held in Abuja and Port Harcourt in early February 2026, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national structure.
Political analysts in Abuja and Lagos warn that sustained fragmentation within major parties could influence candidate selection processes, coalition building, and voter mobilization strategies well before official campaign timelines begin. They argue that early disputes, if unresolved, may lead to defections, splinter groups, and potential realignments across party lines.
