Former INEC Chief Technical Adviser Professor Bolade Eyinla projects that the 2027 general elections will cost about ₦870 billion ($600 million), citing inflation, logistics, and rising technological demands.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may require about ₦870 billion ($600 million) to conduct the 2027 general elections, according to Professor Bolade Eyinla, immediate past Chief Technical Adviser to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu.
Speaking at the Yiaga Africa 2027 Elections Scenarios and EMRI Retreat in Abuja, Eyinla said the projection reflects inflationary pressures and the scale of Nigeria’s electoral operations, which cover over 93 million voters, 176,846 polling units, and 1,558 constituencies.
He noted that previous elections cost ₦109 billion in 2015, ₦189 billion in 2019, and ₦355 billion in 2023, adding that at an estimated $6.72 per voter, Nigeria’s election cost remains among the lowest in Africa.
Eyinla stressed that Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act mandates funds be released at least one year ahead and urged prudent management as logistics, security escorts, and biometric technology could consume over one-third of the budget.