Opposition Expresses Concerns Over Delayed 2027 Elections Fund

INEC has proposed a budget of N873.78 billion for the 2027 elections, covering election operations, deployment of technology, and capital expenditure

KaNo —

Major opposition political parties in Nigeria have expressed deep concerns over the delay in the release of funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, warning that the development could undermine preparations and threaten the credibility of the polls. Opposition Expresses Concerns Over Delayed 2027 Elections Fund

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) said delayed funding could disrupt critical procurement timelines and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.

However, INEC has dismissed the concerns, insisting that it remains financially on track and that preparations for the 2027 polls are progressing as scheduled.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also backed the commission, expressing confidence that the Federal Government would ensure timely release of funds.

The concerns followed a disclosure by INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Mohammed Haruna, who revealed that the commission had yet to receive budgetary releases for the elections.

Haruna made this known during a cross-sectoral interactive session organised by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Abuja. He noted, however, that INEC had already commenced preparatory activities in line with the Electoral Act.

According to him, while the law stipulates that election funds should be released not later than six months before the general elections, the commission had begun arrangements for the procurement of critical election materials.

These include new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to replace devices that were damaged, lost, or not recovered after previous elections.

Haruna also disclosed that INEC plans to conduct mock presidential election exercises to test its technological infrastructure.

This, he said, is aimed at preventing a recurrence of the technical glitches that affected the INEC Result Viewing Portal during the 2023 presidential election.

INEC has proposed a budget of N873.78 billion for the 2027 elections, covering election operations, deployment of technology, and capital expenditure. The figure makes it one of the largest electoral budgets in Nigeria’s history.

Election experts have repeatedly stressed that timely funding is critical to successful election planning, noting that many sensitive materials and technological components are sourced internationally.

These require months for production, testing, and delivery before deployment across Nigeria’s over 176,000 polling units.

Over the years, INEC has maintained that early release of funds enables it to procure materials, recruit and train ad hoc staff, upgrade election technologies, conduct voter education campaigns, and fine-tune logistics well ahead of election day.

The issue has gained heightened attention following the logistical and technological challenges that trailed the 2023 general elections, particularly the delayed upload of presidential election results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal.

Opposition Raises Concerns

Against this backdrop, opposition parties warned that any delay in funding the electoral commission could have far-reaching implications for the credibility and smooth conduct of the elections.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the delay as disturbing, noting that election management involves extensive procurement processes, many of which depend on foreign suppliers.

“It has very serious implications because INEC has to carry out a lot of procurement, many of which are imports,” he said.

“If those procurements have not been made by now, it may pose serious threats to the election in the months ahead.”he added

He emphasised that election planning requires long-term coordination and early deployment of resources, warning that funding delays could disrupt key timelines.

Similarly, the PDP warned that delayed funding could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

Speaking through its Publicity Secretary under the Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, the party said elections operate on strict constitutional and administrative timelines.

“The failure to adequately fund INEC at this stage may be part of a broader strategy not only to undermine the electoral process but to derail it entirely,” Ememobong said.

“Elections are time-bound, and many critical activities must be carried out according to strict timelines. Most of the required materials and logistics cannot simply be procured off the shelf at the last minute.”

He described the delay as a reflection of “grave irresponsibility” and urged both the executive and the National Assembly to ensure that INEC receives adequate funding without further delay.

Also speaking, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, described the delay as worrisome but expressed optimism that the situation would be addressed in time.

“Of course, this delay is a source of concern because the companies providing those services and materials will require time to produce them,” Abdulsalam said.

“However, I don’t think it will mar the conduct of the election since the executive arm of government is responsible for funding INEC.”

He added that the National Assembly was likely monitoring the situation and would intervene to prevent any crisis that could affect election preparations.

APC Dismisses Concerns

In contrast, the APC rejected suggestions that INEC’s preparations were under threat.

The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, said the ruling party had full confidence in the commission’s leadership.

“The APC has implicit confidence in the current leadership of INEC and its management,” Meseko said.

He also expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the President would not fail in his constitutional responsibility to ensure credible elections.

“He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to democratic governance, and there is no reason to believe that INEC will be denied the funds it requires under this administration,” Meseko added.

According to him, election preparations are progressing according to plan, dismissing fears that funding delays could derail the process.

Election Timelines

The 2027 general elections are scheduled to hold in two phases. Presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.

Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.

As the timelines draw closer, stakeholders say the timely release of funds will be critical to ensuring that INEC delivers a free, fair, and credible election.

While the commission has assured Nigerians of its readiness, the concerns raised by opposition parties underscore the importance of early financial support in sustaining public confidence in the electoral process.