Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called for full financial autonomy for the electoral body, saying it cannot be truly independent while relying on the regular budget approval process.
Amupitan made the call in Abuja during the presentation of Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023), a book written by THISDAY Managing Director, Eniola Bello.
He said discussions on electoral reforms should go beyond constitutional amendments and focus on granting INEC financial independence to strengthen public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Can INEC truly be independent without financial autonomy? If we want free, fair and credible elections, then financial autonomy is essential,” he said.
According to him, although the Constitution provides that INEC should be funded from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the commission still depends on the normal appropriation process, limiting its operational freedom.
Amupitan noted that INEC’s responsibilities extend beyond conducting elections to voter registration, political party registration and monitoring, as well as maintaining the national voter register, making greater financial and operational autonomy necessary.
He stressed that credible elections require the involvement of political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and the electorate, saying democracy can only thrive when all institutions perform their roles effectively.
On the appointment of INEC’s leadership, Amupitan said the Constitution already provides safeguards through consultation with the Council of State and Senate confirmation. He argued that Nigeria’s challenge lies more in implementing existing laws than in creating new ones.
He also praised Bello’s two-volume publication, describing it as an important record of Nigeria’s democratic journey from 1999 to 2023 and a valuable guide for improving future elections.
