By Emmanuel Onyedika
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it has received more than N500 billion for preparations towards the 2027 general elections.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, revealed this during an interview on Arise Television News, noting that the amount represents more than half of the total budget approved for the conduct of the polls.
Haruna described the development as encouraging but stressed that the commission still requires the remaining funds to fully implement its plans ahead of the elections.
He also disclosed that INEC is grappling with outstanding debts from previous elections, including about N6 billion owed to contractors, explaining that some financial obligations remain unsettled because the commission did not receive all the funds it required at the time.
Despite these challenges, Haruna said INEC has already begun major preparations for the 2027 elections. He confirmed that arrangements are underway to procure additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and other critical election materials.
“Officials of the commission have already travelled abroad to conclude plans for the acquisition of new BVAS equipment, which remains a key part of Nigeria’s electoral process,” Haruna stated.
He emphasized that the timely release of the remaining funds would enable the commission to complete its preparations and ensure the smooth conduct of the 2027 general elections.