Analyst Urges Early Funding, Support for INEC Ahead of Upcoming Elections

Public affairs analyst Chukwueke has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to provide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with adequate funding and sufficient lead time to prepare for upcoming elections, including the Anambra governorship poll and other subnational contests.

Speaking on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief” on Friday, Chukwueke stressed that timely support is essential for the commission’s effective planning, training, and deployment of electoral officers and technology experts.

“The people who will train the election officers and ad-hoc staff need lead time.
The contractors and those deploying expert technology require lead time.
So, this government and the National Assembly have got a job to do — give them the tools they need to do this work and do so on time,” he said.

He noted that INEC’s success depends heavily on prompt budget releases and logistical support, warning that delays could hinder preparations.

“Get the budget, get the funding, get it to them on time so they have sufficient leeway to get on with this enormous task,” Chukwueke added.
“We must all rally the National Assembly and the Presidency — give them the lead time, give them the funding they need, swiftly and efficiently.”

According to him, the new INEC leadership faces a demanding workload ahead, making government collaboration critical to restoring public confidence in the electoral process.

“The work is enormous; he needs to get out there and get on with it. But he’s well equipped to do it.
If he gets the support he needs, I think he has the strength of character to take on political pressure and deliver the results Nigerians are looking for,” he said.

The comments come a day after the Senate confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan, a professor of law, as the new INEC Chairman following his screening on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Amupitan’s confirmation followed more than two hours of questioning by senators, who tasked him with restoring credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process and implementing meaningful institutional reforms within the commission.