2027: INEC Can't Be Truly Independent Without Financial Autonomy, Says Amupitan

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called for full financial autonomy for the electoral commission, warning that its continued dependence on the normal budgetary process undermines its operational independence and could weaken public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Friday while delivering the keynote address at the public presentation of "Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa's Most Consequential Country (1999–2023)," a two-volume publication authored by THISDAY Managing Director, Eniola Bello, at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja, Amupitan said strengthening Nigeria's democracy requires more than periodic electoral reforms.

According to him, genuine institutional independence cannot be achieved if the electoral commission continues to depend on other arms of government for funding approvals.

"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," he said.

Amupitan acknowledged that the Constitution provides for INEC's funding through the Consolidated Revenue Fund but argued that the arrangement has not translated into complete financial independence because the commission still passes through the conventional appropriation process.

"The Constitution places INEC's funding on the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and many believe that is sufficient. However, experience has shown that as long as INEC remains subject to the normal appropriation process and depends on budgetary approvals by other institutions, genuine financial independence remains difficult," he stated.

He noted that INEC's responsibilities extend well beyond organising presidential and governorship elections, pointing out that the commission also conducts National Assembly and state assembly elections, registers voters and political parties, monitors political party activities and maintains the national voter register.

"For these reasons, there is a strong case for giving INEC greater operational and financial autonomy to improve efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process," he added.

Amupitan also stressed that the credibility of elections should not rest solely on the electoral commission, arguing that democratic success depends on the effectiveness of several institutions working together.

"When we talk about strengthening institutions, there are several institutions involved in the conduct of elections. Most times, people think only of the Independent National Electoral Commission, but beyond INEC, we also have the media, the security agencies, civil society organisations and, indeed, the Nigerian people. The health of our democracy is reflected in the strength of this wider institutional framework," he said.

Drawing from international democratic principles, he recalled that the Inter-Parliamentary Council had long recognised that the responsibility for building democratic institutions rests not only with governments but also with voters, political parties and other stakeholders.

"Therefore, if we truly want the 2027 elections to be free, fair, credible and peaceful, all these institutions must work together," he said.

Addressing concerns over the appointment of INEC's leadership, Amupitan maintained that the Constitution already provides safeguards through the requirement that the President appoint the chairman and national commissioners in consultation with the Council of State and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

He, however, argued that the effectiveness of those provisions depends largely on the integrity of those responsible for implementing them.

"Sometimes, however, the issue is not the law itself but those who operate it," he said.

He referenced former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who had argued that Nigeria's democratic challenges stem less from deficiencies in the Constitution than from failures to faithfully uphold both the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

Amupitan also described Bello's publication as an important contribution to Nigeria's democratic development, noting that the more than 900-page work chronicles the country's political journey from the return to civilian rule in 1999 through 2023.

According to him, the publication offers valuable lessons as political stakeholders prepare for another electoral cycle.

"Every election teaches us lessons, and every electoral cycle provides an opportunity to improve on the last," he said.