INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan has proposed that the electoral commission receive direct funding from the Federation Account, arguing that the current budgeting system undermines its financial autonomy and operational efficiency ahead of future elections.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called for a constitutional and fiscal reform that would allow the electoral body to receive funding directly from the Federation Account, saying the move is necessary to guarantee genuine independence and improve election management in Nigeria.
Amupitan made the proposal while speaking at the public presentation of Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023), a two-volume book authored by ThisDay Managing Director Eniola Bello, in Abuja.
‘Current Funding Model Limits INEC’
According to the INEC chairman, although the 1999 Constitution places the commission on the first-line charge, the existing funding arrangement still subjects it to the annual appropriation process and the Federal Government’s envelope budgeting system.
He argued that the process often delays access to funds needed for election planning and other statutory responsibilities.
“INEC should come as part of the Federation Account so that we can have seamless operations and operational efficiency,” Amupitan said.
Why INEC Wants the Change
Amupitan explained that INEC’s responsibilities extend beyond conducting presidential and National Assembly elections.
He noted that the commission also conducts governorship and state assembly elections, registers and regulates political parties, maintains the national voter register and performs other constitutional functions nationwide.
Given these responsibilities, he argued that relying solely on federal budgetary allocations is inadequate for an institution serving all tiers of government.
Calls for More Electoral Reforms
Beyond funding, the INEC chairman also advocated further amendments to the Electoral Act to strengthen the commission’s oversight of political parties.
He proposed expanding INEC’s regulatory powers to ensure parties comply with their constitutions and electoral laws, while suggesting mediation mechanisms to resolve internal party disputes before they escalate into prolonged litigation.
According to him, pre-election disputes should ideally be concluded at least one year before a general election to avoid disrupting the electoral timetable.
Will Direct Funding Reduce Executive Influence?
Political analysts say direct funding from the Federation Account could reduce delays associated with budget approvals and improve INEC’s operational autonomy.
However, any such reform would likely require constitutional and legislative amendments, including changes to Nigeria’s public finance framework.
Support for the proposal has already emerged from some civil society groups, including the Arewa Development and Advocacy Network (ADNAN), which described the idea as a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.