The Arewa Development and Advocacy Network (ADNAN) has endorsed calls for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to receive direct funding from the Federation Account, arguing that financial autonomy is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.

In a statement issued on Friday, the group expressed support for recent comments by the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who advocated a funding model that would allow the electoral commission direct access to funds rather than relying on the annual appropriation process.

According to ADNAN, the proposal would strengthen the commission’s independence and improve its ability to plan and conduct elections efficiently.

The group noted that although the 1999 Constitution places INEC’s funding on the first-line charge, the commission still depends on the annual budgeting process, which it said can delay the release of funds and affect election preparations.

It argued that INEC’s responsibilities, including conducting presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections, regulating political parties and maintaining the national voter register, require predictable and uninterrupted funding.

The organisation maintained that adequate financial autonomy would reduce the risk of logistical challenges, delays in election preparations and other operational constraints capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

ADNAN called on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act and other relevant fiscal laws to provide direct, non-discretionary funding for the electoral commission from the Federation Account.

The group also urged the Federal Government to recognise INEC’s financial autonomy as an extension of the constitutional guarantee of its independence, similar to arrangements for other constitutionally protected institutions.

It further called on the National Assembly and the executive to engage the commission’s leadership on the proposal and avoid delays in implementing reforms.

ADNAN appealed to civil society organisations, the media, political parties and youth groups to support measures aimed at strengthening the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.

The organisation also encouraged the INEC chairman to continue engaging relevant stakeholders to advance the proposal ahead of future election cycles.