Arewa group backs INEC chair’s call for direct funding from Federation Account

The Arewa Development and Advocacy Network (ADNAN) has endorsed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman’s call for the Commission to receive direct funding from the Federation Account, urging the National Assembly to urgently enact reforms that would guarantee the electoral body’s financial autonomy.

In a statement issued on Friday by its Convener, Dr. Ahmadu Mustapha, the group described the proposal as a necessary step towards strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, arguing that INEC’s continued dependence on the annual appropriation process undermines its constitutional independence and operational effectiveness.

The endorsement follows remarks made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the public presentation of Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023), a two-volume publication authored by ThisDay Managing Director, Eniola Bello, in Abuja on Thursday.

According to the INEC Chairman, although the 1999 Constitution places the Commission on the first-line charge, the existing funding arrangement does not provide genuine financial independence. He explained that the envelope budgeting system and annual appropriation process compel the Commission to seek funding releases through the National Assembly, creating delays that affect election planning and operational efficiency.

Backing the position, ADNAN said direct access to the Federation Account would provide predictable and non-discretionary funding needed for the Commission to conduct credible elections and discharge its constitutional responsibilities without unnecessary financial constraints.

The group noted that INEC’s mandate extends beyond presidential and National Assembly elections to governorship and state assembly polls, voter registration, political party regulation and the maintenance of the national voter register. It argued that such extensive responsibilities require a funding model that guarantees certainty and independence.

It further warned that inadequate and unpredictable funding exposes election management bodies to logistical challenges, delayed deployment of election materials, insufficient personnel training and declining public confidence in the electoral process.

To address the challenge, ADNAN called on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act and relevant fiscal laws to provide direct funding for INEC from the Federation Account. It also urged the Federal Government to treat the Commission’s financial autonomy as a constitutional imperative, comparable to the autonomy granted to the judiciary and other independent institutions.

The group further appealed to the executive and legislature to engage constructively with INEC’s proposal, while calling on civil society organisations, the media, youth groups and political parties to support efforts aimed at strengthening the Commission’s institutional and financial independence.

ADNAN also encouraged the INEC Chairman to sustain advocacy for the proposal and work with relevant stakeholders to secure the legislative and administrative reforms needed ahead of future election cycles.

The organisation maintained that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections depends largely on the independence, capacity and financial stability of the electoral umpire.

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