INEC Reaffirms Collaboration With NAF For Credible Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says it will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, to ensure credible, secure and well-coordinated elections across the country.

INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan stated this while receiving the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and his delegation to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The INEC chairman said the visit was a step in strengthening cooperation between both institutions ahead of upcoming elections.

He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its consistent support to the electoral body, especially in providing logistics and security assistance before and during elections.

“As we look forward to the upcoming elections, we recognize the challenges that lie ahead. But we are confident that with your continued partnership and support, we can ensure a secure and orderly environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.”

The INEC chairman noted that the Commission had already released the timetable for the 2027 general election, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state assembly elections will be held on February 16, 2027 in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

He also said that the Commission would soon conduct off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State in June while that of Osun is scheduled for August.

Responding, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Aneke, said the visit was to strengthen its relationship with INEC in ensuring the successful conduct of elections, especially in the rapid airlift of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to difficult terrains Nationwide.

Air Marshal Aneke explained that the Air Force was strengthening its operational capacity by ensuring that its aircraft undergo routine maintenance and are ready for deployment during future electoral operations.

He said that NAF would also deploy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, to monitor election environments and detect potential security threats.

He assured the Commission that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to collaborate closely with other security agencies to protect electoral infrastructure, including INEC facilities, collation centers and logistics hubs across the country.

Both institutions expressed optimism that stronger cooperation between electoral authorities and security agencies would contribute significantly to credible, peaceful and transparent elections in Nigeria.

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji