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Tag: INEC

INEC Receives Over N1 Trillion In 2026 Budget Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Wale busari04 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to receive N1,013,778,401,602 in the 2026 budget presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking one of the largest allocations in the commission’s history. The funding comes as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. The details were released in the 2026 Appropriation Bill by the Budget Office of the Federation, which proposes a total budget of N58.18 trillion, with projected revenue of N34.33 trillion and expenditure including N15.52 trillion for debt servicing. The budget has been dubbed the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity.” INEC has long stressed the importance of sufficient funding to conduct credible elections. The new allocation will be critical in covering the extensive logistics required for nationwide polls, including technology procurement, voter education, and staff deployment. Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 mandates that election funds must be released at least one year before the polls. In recent years, election budgets have risen significantly. The National Assembly approved an increase for INEC in 2025, raising its budget to N140 billion from an initial N40 billion proposal. The 2023 general elections cost N313.4 billion, though only part of the approved N355 billion had been released by September 2023. In comparison, the 2019 elections cost N143 billion, while the 2015 elections were conducted at N108.8 billion. Professor Bolade Eyinla, former Chief Technical Adviser to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, projected that the 2027 elections could cost around N870 billion (about US$600 million). Speaking at a Yiaga Africa 2027 Elections Scenarios and Election Manipulation Risk Index retreat in Abuja, Eyinla described Nigeria’s elections as among the largest peacetime civil operations, requiring significant financial, technological, and logistical resources. The projected costs reflect the scale of the upcoming polls, with over 93 million registered voters, 176,846 polling units, and 1,558 electoral constituencies. After accounting for inflation and operational expansion, the estimated N870 billion is considered realistic. On a per-voter basis, this amounts to roughly US$6.72, within international norms for transitional democracies. Eyinla compared Nigeria’s election costs with other countries, noting that Kenya’s cost per voter was US$25.9 in 2017 and US$14.9 in 2022; Ghana’s was US$13.1 in 2016 and US$7.7 in 2020; South Africa’s was US$5.1 in 2019 and US$7.1 in 2024; the Democratic Republic of Congo spent US$22 and US$14.37 per voter in 2023; Liberia’s cost was US$22 per voter in 2023; and India’s 2019 election cost US$8.5 per voter. “Given the current economic conditions, inflation, and consumer price trends, conducting the 2027 general election is projected to require about US$600 million (roughly N870 billion), assuming INEC manages its resources efficiently,” Eyinla said.

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PDP Absent As INEC Releases Provisional List Of 2026 Ekiti Governorship Candidates

Wale busari02 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday released the provisional list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State election. The list, displayed at the INEC office along New Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, includes contenders from 12 political parties. The All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji (58) with Monisade Afuye (67) as his running mate. Other notable candidates include Opeyemi Falegan (41) of the Accord Party with Omoyemi Olaleye (42); Akande Oluwasegun (36) of the African Action Congress alongside Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe; and Ayodeji Ojo (42) of the Action Democratic Party with Itunu Ibitoye (35). The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated Oluwadare Bejide (66) with Paul Olowoyeye (52), while the Action People’s Party (APP) presents Bidemi Awogbemi (36) and Akinyemi Adewumi (53). Other parties listed include the Allied People’s Movement, Labour Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, People’s Redemption Party, Young Progressive Party, and Zenith Labour Party. Notably, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates, Dr. Wole Oluyede and his deputy, were absent from the provisional list. INEC sources said the omission stems from unresolved court cases related to the party’s leadership. INEC has confirmed that the list will be updated on January 19, 2026, in line with the Electoral Act 2022, as parties finalise substitutions and resolve outstanding legal issues ahead of the polls.

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INEC Holds Talks With Rival PDP Factions To Resolve Leadership Crisis

Wale busari02 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission has convened a meeting with the two rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party to tackle the party’s ongoing leadership dispute. The session, held at INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja, brings together representatives of the Tanimu Turaki and Abdulrahman Mohammed factions, with the goal of resolving internal conflicts that have threatened the PDP’s cohesion. The Mohammed faction is reportedly backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, while the Turaki group claims recognition from key party structures. INEC insiders say the talks are intended to clarify the PDP’s leadership and prevent further confusion ahead of future elections. Tanimu Turaki attended with members of his National Working Committee, officials from the party secretariat, and former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu. Abdulrahman Mohammed was accompanied by members of the PDP’s national caretaker committee, including its secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, and other senior faction leaders. The closed-door meeting is focusing on leadership claims, documentation, and possible solutions to the rift that has divided the party in recent months. INEC is reportedly seeking to determine which faction has the legitimate authority to act on behalf of the PDP. As of the report, discussions were still ongoing, with no official statement released by INEC or either faction.

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INEC Orders Nationwide Display of Preliminary Voters Register for Claims and Objections

Fola Badmus02 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered the nationwide display of the preliminary register of voters to allow for claims and objections by eligible Nigerians. According to a statement shared on the commission’s official X handle on Friday, the exercise is aimed at giving voters the opportunity to confirm their registration details and request corrections where necessary. INEC explained that the process will enable Nigerians who recently registered, transferred their registration, or updated their personal details to verify their information at their respective Local Government Area offices. In the statement, the commission urged voters to confirm their details, noting that those whose names are missing from the register, whose information is misspelt, or whose records are incomplete should file a claim for correction. INEC also called on Nigerians to file objections if they observe irregularities on the register, including the presence of non-citizens, underage persons, deceased individuals, people not resident in the area, or anyone legally incapacitated from voting. The commission disclosed that the exercise will take place nationwide at all INEC Local Government Area offices, running daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., between December 15 and December 21. Meanwhile, INEC recently confirmed that more than 2.68 million Nigerians have completed their registration in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise. The commission stated that 1,576,137 applicants successfully completed their pre-registration online, while an additional 1,109,588 finalised their enrolment through physical biometric capture at INEC centres across the country.

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INEC Launches AI-Powered Virtual Assistant Ahead of Anambra Election

Kamal Yalwa02 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant designed to enhance staff training and operational readiness ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship election. The innovative digital tool, known as the INEC Training Virtual Assistant or “INECTrainingBot,” was launched on Friday and is accessible via Telegram. According to the commission, the AI assistant provides 24-hour access to essential election materials, interactive lessons, and on-demand learning modules. This allows electoral officers to train flexibly from any location and at their own convenience. INEC stated that the initiative aligns with its broader goal of leveraging technology to strengthen institutional capacity, improve operational efficiency, and promote credible elections. The platform is expected to significantly streamline the training process, particularly for ad-hoc staff, by providing instant access to updated guidelines, procedures, and simulations related to election management. INEC officials noted that the tool’s interactive design enables users to test their knowledge, receive real-time feedback, and engage with instructional resources in an intuitive and user-friendly environment. The commission further explained that the INECTrainingBot supports multimedia learning — including text, audio, and video — to ensure comprehensive understanding of electoral procedures. With the upcoming Anambra governorship election approaching, INEC expressed confidence that this innovation will contribute to better-prepared staff, smoother operations, and more transparent electoral outcomes.

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Tinubu Swears In Amupitan As INEC Chairman

Kamal Yalwa03 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the beginning of a new leadership era for Nigeria’s electoral body. The ceremony took place on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, one week after the Senate confirmed Amupitan’s appointment on October 16, following a rigorous screening exercise. In his address, President Tinubu charged the new INEC Chairman to “protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and the entire electoral process” while building on the institutional strength and independence of the commission. Amupitan, who arrived at the State House in a white agbada and gold cap, was accompanied by presidential aides and several dignitaries. The professor of law’s nomination had earlier been endorsed by the National Council of State before Senate confirmation. The 58-year-old legal scholar succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended, becoming the sixth substantive head of INEC since its establishment. During his Senate screening, Amupitan outlined his plans to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s elections by strengthening the Electoral Act, harmonising election timelines, and improving transparency in result transmission. He told lawmakers: “We must conduct elections where even the loser will congratulate the winner and say, ‘You won fairly and well.’ When that happens, voters’ confidence will naturally be restored.” Addressing speculations linking him to President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria dismissed the claims, saying: “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any of the parties.” Following his swearing-in, Professor Amupitan is expected to assume duties immediately at the INEC headquarters in Abuja and begin the transition process at the commission.

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Senate Set To Screen Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Thursday

Joash Amupitan Set To Assume INEC Chairmanship Thursday

Wale busari01 mins

Joash Amupitan, newly confirmed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will officially take office on Thursday. He is scheduled to meet with INEC directors at the commission’s headquarters, according to Victoria Eta-Messi, director of voter education and publicity. Before taking charge, Mr Amupitan will be sworn in by President Bola Tinubu during a National Executive Council (FEC) meeting. The 58-year-old Law professor at the University of Jos and Senior Advocate of Nigeria was confirmed by the Senate last Thursday through a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

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Senate Set To Screen Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Thursday

Senate To Screen Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Thursday

Wale busari02 mins

The Senate is set to conduct the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday, October 16, 2025. A circular released Wednesday by the Senate’s Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, confirmed that the screening will take place in the Senate Chamber of the National Assembly Complex. Members of the press and television stations have been asked to provide coverage of the event. The announcement comes less than 24 hours after Tinubu’s letter requesting Amupitan’s confirmation was read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The nominee’s appointment had been endorsed last week by the National Council of State, signaling a key transition at INEC following Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s ten-year tenure. In his letter to the Senate, Tinubu stated that the nomination was made in accordance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urged lawmakers to give it prompt consideration. He described Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as “an apolitical figure of impeccable integrity.” Amupitan’s nomination has reignited debates over INEC’s independence and credibility in the wake of the 2023 general elections. While the presidency has highlighted his impartiality, opposition parties and civil society organizations have stressed the need for a transparent and thorough confirmation process. Thursday’s screening is expected to attract nationwide attention, as it could shape future electoral reforms and serve as an early test of the government’s commitment to credible elections ahead of 2027.  

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