The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has raised concerns over the loss of experienced personnel to migration and called for improved funding and staff welfare as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja.

The INEC chairman called for stronger financial support for the electoral body.

According to him, inadequate remuneration has contributed to the departure of skilled staff from the Commission, warning that the situation could create a significant skills gap as more experienced personnel approach retirement.

He stressed that improved welfare packages and competitive remuneration were necessary to retain qualified personnel, boost staff morale and strengthen public confidence in the Commission’s work.

The INEC chairman urged RMAFC to support increased and sustainable funding for the Commission, noting that its constitutional responsibilities extend beyond the conduct of elections to include continuous voter registration, political party registration and the management of election-related litigation.

He explained that INEC maintains offices in the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and all 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government bearing the cost of running the nationwide structure.

Amupitan said the Commission requires improved infrastructure funding, greater investment in electoral technology and continuous training of personnel to preserve institutional knowledge and improve operational efficiency.

He noted that the cost of conducting governorship elections often exceeds the combined cost of presidential and National Assembly elections, adding that INEC also shoulders expenses arising from pre-election and post-election activities, including petitions resulting from party primaries.

The chairman reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections, disclosing that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

He also announced that the Commission would conduct the Osun State governorship election on August 15, 2026, adding that recent elections conducted by INEC, including the Ekiti governorship poll and several bye-elections, had received commendation locally and internationally.

Responding, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, commended INEC for sustaining electoral processes since 1999 and pledged the Commission’s support toward ensuring credible elections in 2027.

Shehu acknowledged the enormity of INEC’s responsibilities across the federal, state and local government levels, describing its operational demands as significant given its nationwide presence.

He assured the electoral body of RMAFC’s readiness to maintain engagement and collaboration in support of its constitutional mandate.