The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, has said the electoral body cannot achieve full independence without financial autonomy.
Amupitan made the statement on Thursday during the public presentation of ‘Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023)’, written by THISDAY Managing Director, Mr Eniola Bello.
The INEC chairman warned that continued reliance on the regular budgetary process weakens the commission’s operational independence and could affect its ability to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
According to him, while INEC plays a central role in the electoral process, the responsibility of delivering credible elections also rests on political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and citizens.
“Can INEC truly be independent without financial autonomy? If we are serious about strengthening our institutions and conducting free, fair and credible elections, then financial autonomy is essential,” Amupitan said.
He explained that although the Constitution provides for INEC’s funding through the Consolidated Revenue Fund, practical experience has shown that the arrangement does not fully guarantee independence because the commission still goes through the normal appropriation process.
Amupitan stressed that strengthening INEC’s financial independence is crucial to improving the credibility and effectiveness of Nigeria’s electoral system.
