Pecohub The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought the collaboration of the Nigerian Air Force in ensuring effective logistics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking when the Chief of Air Staff visited the commission, Chairman of the Commission Joash Amupitan said logistics remain one of the major challenges facing the commission in its bid to conduct free and fair elections in the country.
He acknowledged the crucial role the military has played a crucial role in facilitating a smooth electoral process, reinforcing the collective commitment to safeguarding the nation’s democracy.
“We look forward to the upcoming general election and we have just released the timetable for the 2027 general election, the presidential and the national assembly election will be coming up on the 16th day of January 2027, under the revised timetable pursuant to the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026, while the governorship and the state assembly election will be coming up on the 16th of February 2027.
“We already have a planned program of activity, and we will share with you every detail of our plans and activities, knowing fully well the role that we play in elections. So as we look forward to these dates, we recognize the ongoing challenges we face.
“We are confident that with your continued partnership and support, you can ensure a secure and orderly environment for our citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
“I am happy that the Nigerian Air Force is an elite force, and of course, the joy about the air power is that it is a psychological weapon, and of which the Nigerian Air Force has come of age. And the Air Force is lucky to also have somebody of your calibre to be able to lead Nigeria to the United Nations.
“In June, we shall be conducting the off-cycle governorship election in Ekiti State, and this will be followed by another off-cycle election in Osun State on August 15th of this year. Those elections to us are very important and very crucial because of their proximity to the general election.
Speaking on the logistics challenges often encountered during elections, Prof. Amupitan said there was the possibility that INEC has not properly exploited the great potential in military logistics.
He said the commission will be “glad to work with you and see how we can overcome some of the challenges we’ve had during the logistics, adding that the commission planned to ensure that deployment for the general election is done with ease.
He expressed delight that the commission can effectively work with the Air Force and also the other military arms to have effective logistics, saying, “As part of this collaboration and partnership, we are going to set up a team so that we can work together ahead of time.
“The failure to plan is planning to fail. And for Nigerians, you can see they are looking at this next general election, and they expect the best. So, in terms of everything, in terms of ensuring that the logistics are excellent, and also that the conduct of the election is important, so that it can strike the link between legality and legitimacy, which is what the country desires.
So we value the expertise and dedication of the air force in logistic and security operations, which are paramount to our electoral system’s integrity. I urge you to please support us as we embark on this very crucial phase of our democratic journey.
In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Kelvin Aneke, said, “Nigeria remains the largest democracy on the African continent, and the resilience of the democratic system continues to be sustained by strong and credible institutions such as INEC.
He said that through its constitutional mandate of organising and conducting elections, the Commission plays a central role in ensuring that Nigerians freely exercise their sovereign right to choose their leaders. In this regard, the work of INEC continues to reinforce public confidence in democratic governance.
He said there has been renewed emphasis on institutional reforms, staff welfare, and measures aimed at enhancing the inclusiveness of the electoral process.
According to him, the introduction of sign language interpreters at polling units represents a commendable step towards ensuring that persons with disabilities can participate more fully in the democratic process, saying “these initiatives reflect a clear commitment to strengthening transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency within the Commission.”
While stressing the need for collaboration, he said the relationship between the Nigerian Air Force and INEC has long been anchored on the shared commitment to national stability, professionalism, and the rule of law.
Air Marshal Aneke said, “The Nigerian Air Force considers its partnership with the Commission as an important contribution to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
“This engagement, therefore, provides an opportunity to further deepen the existing collaboration between both institutions and reaffirm our collective resolve to support the successful conduct of elections across the country
“The successful conduct of elections is closely tied to effective security arrangements and efficient logistics management. Over the years, the Nigerian Air Force has remained a dependable partner to INEC, particularly in providing security support as well as rapid airlift for the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across the country.
“I wish to assure you that the Nigerian Air Force remains willing, able, and ready to continue providing such support whenever required. At present, some of our C-130 aircraft are undergoing scheduled maintenance outside the country as part of efforts to sustain our strategic airlift capability.
“Nevertheless, the Service is making arrangements to deploy other available aircraft that can support the timely movement of electoral materials and personnel.
“Beyond airlift support, the Nigerian Air Force, as a professional and apolitical institution, is also making preparations to contribute to the security of the electoral process in other ways.
“In this regard, the NAF is positioning some of its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to enhance situational awareness during the electoral period. Such capabilities could assist in the early detection of potential security threats and support timely responses by relevant agencies.
“Additionally, the Nigerian Air Force stands ready to collaborate with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, in supporting the protection of critical electoral infrastructure such as INEC facilities, collation centres, and strategic logistics hubs. We also support strengthened inter-agency coordination and joint preparatory exercises to ensure a unified and effective security response during elections.
“Through these measures, the Nigerian Air Force remains fully committed to deploying its capabilities in support of a secure electoral environment and the continued consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Their collective commitment to upholding the rule of law, constitutional governance, and democratic accountability provides the enabling environment for institutions such as INEC and the Nigerian Air Force to effectively discharge their constitutional mandates”.
