By George Mgbeleke

Ahead of 2027 election the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed N873.778 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Chairman INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, declared this during the presentation of the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal and projected cost for the 2027 polls before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja Thursday

Amupitan clarified that the proposed N873.778 billion election budget is separate from INEC’s 2026 appropriation proposal, which puts the Commission’s operational expenditure at N171 billion.

The 2026 allocation is expected to cover routine activities, including the conduct of by-elections and off-cycle governorship elections.

He noted that the projected election cost excludes a fresh request by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) seeking an upward review of allowances for corps members deployed as ad-hoc election staff.

Providing a breakdown of the projected election budget, the INEC chairman said the estimate is structured across five major components, including N379.748 billion for operational expenses, N92.317 billion for administrative costs, N209.206 billion for technological requirements, N154.905 billion for election capital projects and N42.608 billion for miscellaneous expenses.

Amupitan explained that the budget proposal was prepared in compliance with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to prepare its election budget at least one year before the general election.

On the 2026 fiscal projections, he revealed that the Ministry of Finance had issued the Commission a budget envelope of N140 billion, while INEC proposed a total expenditure of N171 billion, comprising N109 billion for personnel costs, N18.7 billion for overheads, N42.63 billion for election-related activities, and N1.4 billion for capital expenditure.

The INEC chairman expressed concerns over the envelope budgeting system, describing it as unsuitable for the Commission’s operations due to the urgent and unpredictable nature of electoral activities.

He also identified the absence of a dedicated communications network as a major operational challenge.

Speaking during the session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) argued that external agencies should not impose budgeting frameworks on INEC, considering the sensitive nature of its mandate and urged Parliament to align funding with the Commission’s actual requirements.

Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives, Billy Osawaru, called for INEC’s budget to be placed on first line charge as stipulated in the Constitution, while the Joint Committee approved a motion recommending a one time release of the Commission’s annual budget and said it would consider NYSC’s request for about N32 billion to increase allowances for corps members to N125,000 during election duties.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Lalong assured legislative support for the Commission, while Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Rep. Bayo Balogun, cautioned INEC against making promises it may not fulfil, recalling the controversy surrounding assurances on real fime result uploads to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal during the last general election.

By Our Correspondent

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has successfully flagged off its nationwide Membership Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration (MRMR) exercise and inaugurated the State MRMR Committees.

The landmark event took place on Thursday at Barcelona Hotel, Wuse II, Abuja. It was attended by NEC Members, party leaders, key stakeholders, and dedicated party faithful from across the country.

In his inaugural address,National Chairman of the party and former senate President, Senator David Mark the party described the MRMR exercise as a strategic and transformative step toward strengthening the internal structures of the ADC, deepening grassroots engagement, and repositioning the party for greater national impact.

Members were urged to actively participate in the process to ensure the development of a credible, updated, and inclusive membership database.

Mark further announced that the newly issued membership card under the MRMR exercise officially supersedes and renders all previously issued ADC membership cards invalid.

Consequently, all members are required to complete the revalidation and registration process in order to retain their active membership status and full privileges within the party.

The inauguration of the State MRMR Committees underscores the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective coordination at the state level. The committees have been mandated to ensure a smooth, transparent, and successful implementation of the exercise nationwide.

According to him,ADC remains resolute in its mission to deepen democratic values, expand its membership base, and build a stronger, people-centered political movement across Nigeria.

BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

The Niger Electric Distribution Company Limited (NEDC) has announced plans to partner with journalists to improve development communication and increase public awareness of its activities and services.

The Managing Director of the company, Engineer Sam Odekina, made this known during a two-hour interactive session with journalists at his office.

He described the media as a key partner in progress, saying the company decided to work closely with journalists to better inform and educate the public about its operations, policies, and ongoing projects.

According to him, many electricity consumers want more information about the company’s activities. He explained that the media can serve as a reliable bridge between NEDC and its customers by providing accurate and timely information.

Engineer Odekina also described the media as the “fourth estate of the realm,” stressing its vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and public understanding. He expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen communication and build trust between the company and its customers.

In his remarks, the Head of Consumer Experience, Mr. Kene Ofili, appreciated the media for its contributions, noting that journalists have helped the company to properly inform and guide the public on important issues.

He appealed to journalists to always verify information with the company before broadcasting or publishing reports, to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Also speaking, the Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate Communication Mr. Omede Odekina assured journalists that the company would continue to share information about its challenges and activities so that the public can have a clearer understanding of its operations.

The interactive session highlighted the long-standing relationship between NEDC and the media and reaffirmed their commitment to working together in the interest of the public.