Major political parties have raised concerns over the delay in the release of funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections, warning that the situation could undermine election preparations and affect the credibility of the polls.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) cautioned that late budgetary releases could disrupt critical procurement processes, delay logistical planning and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
The parties argued that timely funding is essential for INEC to carry out voter registration, procurement of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials, recruitment and training of ad hoc staff, and other statutory activities required ahead of the nationwide polls.
Their concerns followed a disclosure by INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Mohammed Haruna, who revealed during a cross-sectoral interactive session organised by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre (PAACA) in Abuja on Thursday that the commission had yet to receive budgetary releases specifically earmarked for the 2027 elections.
Haruna, however, assured stakeholders that despite the delay, INEC had already commenced preliminary preparations in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
He noted that the Electoral Act provides that funds for general elections should be released not later than six months before the polls to enable the commission conclude critical preparations without unnecessary pressure.
According to him, although the commission is yet to receive the dedicated election funds, routine planning and administrative activities have continued using available resources.
Responding to the concerns, INEC dismissed fears that the delayed release of funds would affect its readiness, insisting that preparations remained on course and that there was no immediate threat to the conduct of the 2027 elections.
The commission maintained that it was working within its operational framework and remained committed to delivering credible, transparent and peaceful elections.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also expressed confidence in the commission, stating that President Bola Tinubu would ensure the timely release of all necessary funds to enable INEC conduct free, fair and credible elections.
The opposition parties, however, urged the Federal Government to prioritise the early release of election funds to avoid a repeat of past challenges associated with late procurement, logistics and deployment of election materials.
They stressed that adequate and timely funding remains one of the key requirements for a credible electoral process and called on all stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
Parties Warn Delay in INEC Funding Could Jeopardise 2027 Elections
