The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has requested extra funding from the Federal Government to prepare for the 2027 general elections.
This was disclosed by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during his appearance before the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Friday to defend the commission’s 2025 budget proposal.
Professor Yakubu highlighted the need for additional funds to address critical areas, including the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, logistics for off-cycle elections, replacement of damaged materials such as Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS), ballot boxes, voting cubicles, and repairs to INEC offices in Local Government Areas.
He emphasised that 2025 is pivotal for preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections and stressed the necessity of timely funding to ensure efficient operations.
INEC reiterated its commitment to improving the electoral process and strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
The commission also addressed earlier claims regarding the destruction of over six million uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) dating back to the 2015 voter registration. It clarified that the report was false, stating, “At no time did INEC contemplate destroying uncollected PVCs.”