Professor Joash Amupitan, a key figure at the Independent National Electoral Commission, argues that genuine independence for the agency remains impossible unless it achieves fiscal autonomy. He shared these views on Thursday during the unveiling of a book by Eniola Bello, the Managing Director of THISDAY, titled ‘Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023)’.
Amupitan warned that relying on standard budgetary procedures compromises the commission’s operational freedom. He believes this vulnerability threatens the integrity of the 2027 electoral process. While INEC plays a pivotal role, he noted that the success of elections also rests on the actions of political groups, law enforcement, the press, advocacy organizations, and the voting public.
He emphasized the urgent need for financial independence to ensure the body can organize transparent and fair votes. Although the Constitution intends for the commission to be supported by the Consolidated Revenue Fund, Amupitan explained that the existing appropriation system fails to provide real autonomy in practice.
