The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria has announced a request for N873.78 billion to conduct the forthcoming 2027 general elections. The announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, during a presentation to the National Assembly's Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja. The budget proposed aims to ensure the comprehensive execution of national elections while emphasizing the necessity for adequate funding to manage the electoral processes effectively.

In addition to the election budget, INEC is also seeking N171 billion to facilitate its operational activities in the 2026 fiscal year. This funding is essential for the commission to handle regular activities, which include bye-elections and off-season elections. This dual financial request underscores INEC's awareness of the importance of sustained funding to maintain the integrity and accessibility of Nigeria's electoral process, particularly as the country gears up for crucial elections.

Moreover, the budget proposal does not take into account a separate request from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that seeks higher allowances for corps members who serve as ad-hoc staff during elections. This indicates that while INEC is preparing its financial framework for the elections, there are still ongoing discussions about the compensation and roles of those involved in the electoral process. The outcome of this budget proposal will likely influence how effectively INEC can execute its plans for the upcoming elections and manage its ongoing operations.