Arewa Group Backs INEC Chairman’s Call for Direct Funding From Federation Account

The Arewa Development and Advocacy Network (ADNAN) has endorsed the call by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, for the electoral body to receive direct funding from the Federation Account instead of relying on the annual budget appropriation process.

The group described the proposal as timely and necessary, arguing that genuine financial autonomy is critical to strengthening the commission's independence and ensuring the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

Prof. Amupitan made the proposal on Thursday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the public presentation of Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa's Most Consequential Country (1999–2023), a two-volume publication authored by Eniola Bello, Managing Director of THISDAY Newspapers.

The INEC chairman noted that although the 1999 Constitution places the commission's funding on the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the current arrangement does not provide sufficient financial independence because INEC still relies on the annual appropriation process and budgetary releases.

According to him, the commission's dependence on the envelope budgeting system requires it to seek funding approvals from the National Assembly, creating delays that affect election planning and operational efficiency.

Reacting to the proposal, ADNAN said it fully aligns with the INEC chairman's position, insisting that direct access to the Federation Account would enable the commission to discharge its constitutional responsibilities more effectively.

The organisation said Nigeria's electoral process cannot be adequately insulated from manipulation, delays or operational shortcomings if the institution responsible for conducting elections remains financially dependent on other arms of government.

"ADNAN considers this position both timely and necessary. As a regional-led organisation committed to good governance, transparent institutions and democratic stability across the North and Nigeria, we align fully with the INEC Chairman's position that direct access to the Federation Account, rather than dependence on the annual budget cycle, is essential if the Commission is to deliver free, fair and credible elections at every level," the group said.

It noted that INEC's responsibilities extend beyond organising presidential and National Assembly elections to include governorship and state assembly elections, political party registration and regulation, as well as maintaining the national register of voters.

According to the group, a constitutional body with such extensive responsibilities requires predictable and guaranteed funding.

"A mandate of this magnitude demands funding certainty that only direct access to the Federation Account can guarantee," it stated.

ADNAN argued that adequate financing is fundamental to credible elections, warning that election management bodies dependent on annual appropriations are more vulnerable to logistical failures, delayed deployment of election materials, inadequate personnel training and declining public confidence.

"Nigeria's democracy, and indeed democratic practice across our sub-region, cannot afford these risks in the years ahead," the statement added.

The group urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the Electoral Act and relevant fiscal legislation to guarantee INEC first-line, non-discretionary funding directly from the Federation Account.

It also called on the Federal Government to recognise financial autonomy as an extension of the constitutional independence already granted to INEC, similar to arrangements for the judiciary and other constitutionally protected institutions.

ADNAN further appealed to the executive and legislature to engage constructively with the commission's leadership to ensure the proposal is implemented ahead of future elections.

The organisation also urged civil society groups, the media and youth organisations to support the campaign for INEC's financial independence.

"The credibility of any election rests significantly on the independence and capacity of the body that conducts it.

"We therefore urge the National Assembly to give this proposal the legislative attention it deserves, and we call on all democratic stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations and the Nigerian youth population, to support this push for institutional and financial autonomy for INEC.

"We further encourage the INEC Chairman to sustain this advocacy and to work with the National Assembly, the executive and relevant stakeholders to translate this proposal into concrete legislative and administrative action ahead of future election cycles," the statement said.

The endorsement comes amid growing calls from political stakeholders and governance advocates for reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria's electoral institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.