The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, says the commission cannot achieve true independence without full financial autonomy. He warned that relying on the regular government budgeting cycle limits INEC’s ability to deliver elections that meet global standards of credibility.
Amupitan said financial control is central to strengthening INEC’s operations, improving planning, and boosting public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, an election management body cannot be fully independent if it depends on external approval for funds needed to carry out core responsibilities.
He cautioned that delays or political interference in budget releases could undermine election logistics, voter education, and technology deployment all critical components of credible polls. He added that autonomy would allow INEC to respond quickly to operational needs without waiting for bureaucratic processes.
Speaking in Abuja, Amupitan made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the public presentation of “Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023)”, a new book by THISDAY Managing Director, Eniola Bello. The event was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
He noted that Nigeria’s democracy has matured over the years, but the electoral system still faces structural challenges that must be addressed to ensure transparency. Financial autonomy, he said, is one of the most important reforms needed to strengthen the commission’s credibility.
Amupitan also stressed that INEC’s mandate requires long‑term planning, which is difficult when funding is tied to annual budget cycles. He argued that predictable financing would help the commission invest in technology, training, and infrastructure.
He urged stakeholders, including the National Assembly and civil society, to support reforms that guarantee INEC’s financial independence. According to him, such reforms would not only improve election administration but also reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Amupitan concluded that credible elections depend on strong institutions, and INEC must be empowered to operate without financial constraints if it is to fulfill its constitutional role effectively
