Funding for the 2027 general elections has yet to be released to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), even as preparations for the polls continue, the commission has said.
INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at a cross-sectoral interactive session organised by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) in partnership with Legis360.
He said the commission had proposed ₦873.78 billion for the polls and is already making arrangements for key election materials, including Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices.
Haruna noted that the Electoral Act 2026 provides a timeline for election funding, but warned that delays could affect logistics and procurement processes.
He also said INEC plans mock election exercises to test its systems ahead of 2027, while describing the cost of elections as about six dollars per voter due to import and exchange rate pressures.
He raised concerns over last-minute court orders disrupting preparations and said steps are being taken to address recurring data protection issues within the commission.
Stakeholders at the session called for timely release of funds and improved coordination to ensure smooth preparations for the 2027 general elections.
