Arewa Group Backs INEC Chairman’s Call for Direct Federation Account Funding, Seeks Financial Autonomy

The Arewa Development and Advocacy Network (ADNAN) has endorsed the call by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, for the electoral body to receive direct funding from the Federation Account, describing the proposal as a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the group’s Convener, Dr. Ahmadu Mustapha, said granting INEC direct access to funding would enhance the commission’s operational independence, improve election planning and reinforce public confidence in the electoral process.

The endorsement followed remarks made by Prof. Amupitan during the public presentation of “Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023),” a two-volume publication authored by ThisDay Newspaper Managing Director, Eniola Bello.

According to ADNAN, the INEC chairman observed that although the 1999 Constitution places the commission on the first-line charge, the current funding arrangement through the annual appropriation process and envelope budgeting system limits its financial independence.

The group said INEC’s dependence on budget approvals and fund releases from the National Assembly creates unnecessary delays that could affect election preparation and the efficient discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

ADNAN maintained that INEC’s broad mandate, which includes conducting presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections, regulating political parties and maintaining the national voter register, requires predictable and uninterrupted funding.

The organisation argued that financial autonomy is essential for the commission to deliver free, fair and credible elections, warning that inadequate funding could lead to logistical challenges, delayed deployment of election materials, insufficient personnel training and reduced public trust in electoral outcomes.

The group urged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act and other relevant fiscal laws to guarantee direct, non-discretionary funding for INEC from the Federation Account.

It also called on the Federal Government to recognise the commission’s financial autonomy as an extension of the constitutional guarantee of its independence, similar to the autonomy enjoyed by the judiciary and other constitutionally established institutions.

ADNAN further appealed to the executive and the National Assembly to engage the commission’s leadership on the proposal without delay, noting that previous discussions on electoral funding reforms had failed to produce meaningful results.

The advocacy group also urged civil society organisations, the media, political parties and youth groups to support the campaign for INEC’s financial independence, stressing that credible elections depend on the institutional capacity and autonomy of the electoral umpire.

It encouraged Prof. Amupitan to continue engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure the proposal is translated into legislative and administrative action before future election cycles.

Dr. Mustapha reaffirmed the group’s commitment to promoting good governance, transparent institutions and democratic stability, saying financial autonomy for INEC remains a vital requirement for safeguarding Nigeria’s electoral integrity.