INEC cannot be independent without financial autonomy — Amupitan

Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has asserted that the electoral body cannot achieve true independence without financial autonomy. He cautioned that continued reliance on the regular budgetary process poses a risk to INEC's capacity to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.

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Can INEC truly be independent without financial autonomy? If we are serious about strengthening our institutions and conducting free, fair and credible elections, then financial autonomy is essential.

Amupitan emphasized that granting INEC greater control over its finances is essential for bolstering the commission's operations and enhancing public confidence, particularly in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the public presentation of a book in Abuja, he argued that while the constitution designates INEC's funding from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the current arrangement does not guarantee genuine financial independence due to its dependence on the normal appropriation process.

"Can INEC truly be independent without financial autonomy? If we are serious about strengthening our institutions and conducting free, fair and credible elections, then financial autonomy is essential," Amupitan stated. He elaborated that the commission's dependence on budgetary approvals from other institutions significantly limits its independence, despite constitutional provisions.

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However, experience has shown that as long as INEC remains subject to the normal appropriation process and depends on budgetary approvals by other institutions, genuine financial independence remains difficult.

The INEC chairman highlighted that the commission's mandate extends beyond election conduct to include voter registration, political party monitoring, maintaining the national voters' register, and supporting local government elections. He concluded that these responsibilities necessitate greater operational and financial autonomy for INEC to improve efficiency and public trust in the electoral process. However, he also stressed that credible elections require the collective effort of political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organizations, and citizens.

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For these reasons, there is a strong case for giving INEC greater operational and financial autonomy to improve efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.