BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
Major political parties have expressed concern over the delay in the release of funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections, warning that it could undermine preparations and affect the credibility of the polls.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) cautioned that delayed funding could disrupt procurement timelines, weaken public confidence in the electoral process and ultimately threaten the smooth conduct of the elections.
However, INEC dismissed the concerns, insisting that preparations for the polls remain on course and that the commission is financially on track. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would ensure the timely release of the resources required for free, fair and credible elections.
The concerns followed Thursday’s disclosure by INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Mohammed Haruna, that the commission had yet to receive budgetary releases for the 2027 elections, although preparations had already commenced in line with the Electoral Act.
Haruna explained that while the law requires election funds to be released at least six months before the general election, INEC had already begun arrangements for the procurement of critical election materials, including new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to replace damaged, lost or unrecovered devices from previous elections.
He also disclosed that the commission plans to conduct mock presidential election exercises to test its technology infrastructure and prevent a recurrence of the technical glitches experienced during the 2023 presidential election.
INEC has proposed a budget of N873.78 billion for the 2027 elections, covering election operations, technology deployment and capital expenditure.
Election experts have consistently maintained that early release of funds is crucial because many sensitive election materials and technology platforms are sourced internationally and require months for production, testing and delivery.
Opposition Raises Alarm
Speaking with Frontline Reporters, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the funding delay as disturbing.
“It has very serious implications because INEC has to carry out a lot of procurement, many of which are imports. If those procurements have not been made by now, it may pose serious threats to the election in the months ahead,” he said.
He stressed that election management requires long-term planning and early deployment of resources, warning that delayed funding could affect the commission’s ability to meet critical timelines.
Similarly, the Publicity Secretary of the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, told Frontline Reporters that inadequate funding at this stage could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
He argued that elections operate within strict constitutional and administrative timelines and warned that delaying funding could derail the process.
“The National Assembly and the Executive must urgently ensure that INEC is adequately funded so that all agencies involved in the electoral process can effectively discharge their responsibilities ahead of the elections,” he said.
Also speaking with Frontline Reporters, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, described the delay as worrisome but expressed confidence that the Federal Government and the National Assembly would provide the required funds before the situation became critical.
He noted that many election materials require lengthy production periods because of their specialised security features.
APC Dismisses Concerns
The APC, however, rejected suggestions that INEC’s preparations were under threat.
Speaking with Frontline Reporters, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, said the ruling party had absolute confidence in INEC’s leadership and believed President Tinubu would provide all the necessary support for the successful conduct of the elections.
According to him, procurement processes are already underway, while election materials continue to be acquired in line with established procedures.
He added that although the government is pursuing prudent spending, INEC remains a priority and there is no reason for public concern.
Yiaga Africa Warns Against Delay
Reacting to the development, a member of the Board of Trustees of Yiaga Africa, Professor Nnamdi Aduba, warned that any delay in funding INEC could jeopardise the credibility of the 2027 elections.
In an interview with Frontline Reporters, Aduba stressed that elections require extensive planning, timely procurement, logistics and personnel mobilisation.
He warned that late release of funds could expose the electoral process to undue influence and compromise its integrity.
INEC Insists Preparations Are On Course
Responding to the concerns, a senior INEC official told Frontline Reporters, on condition of anonymity, that funding for general elections is released in phases rather than as a lump sum.
The official said the commission enjoys a strong working relationship with the Federal Government and remains financially on track.
He added that preparations, including procurement of election materials and technology upgrades, are progressing according to schedule.
Political parties, election observers and civil society organisations have continued to call for early preparations to avoid the logistical and technological shortcomings that marred previous elections and to strengthen public confidence in the 2027 polls.
The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be held on February 6, 2027. Campaigns are expected to commence in August and September 2026 respectively
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2026-06-27