INEC awaits 2027 election funds amid preparations, cites $6/voter cost efficiency
INEC National Commissioner Malam Mohammed Haruna stated Thursday in Abuja that the commission hasn't received budget allocations for the 2027 general elections despite ongoing preparations. Speaking at a PAACA/Legis360 forum focused on Ekiti governorship election aftermath, he noted funds must be released six months pre-election per the Electoral Act 2026 but confirmed procurement continues for BVAS devices and other materials, including replacements for flood-damaged units from Edo. Haruna contextualized the ₦873.78 billion budget proposal, noting it averages about $6 per voter - reasonable for Nigeria given imported election materials like BVAS. He cited challenges including last-minute court orders disrupting operations (such as during Ekiti election where BVAS achieved 98% accreditation) and confirmed a suspended electoral officer's data leak case is with NDPC/SSS. PAACA's Ezenwa Nwagwu urged early funding to avoid 'fire brigade' approaches that invite corruption, explaining stakeholders should pressure politicians creating bottlenecks rather than blaming INEC alone, as early disbursements meet international procurement timelines for essential hardware.