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INEC has reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force remains the constitutionally recognised lead agency for election security, insisting that military deployment during elections must only occur under exceptional circumstances and strictly within the limits of the law.
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The electoral commission urged the Armed Forces to remain politically neutral and discharge any election-related responsibilities with professionalism, restraint and full respect for citizens’ fundamental rights to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
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Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, directed military personnel to uphold strict neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 will be judged by peaceful polls, compliance with democratic principles and human rights.
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Both INEC and the Armed Forces pledged deeper collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to guarantee free, fair and credible elections, while enhancing inter-agency coordination and protecting voters, election officials and electoral materials nationwide.
July 31, (THEWILL) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that the deployment of the Armed Forces during elections must remain an exceptional measure, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force is the constitutionally designated lead agency for election security as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
The Commission also urged members of the Armed Forces to maintain strict neutrality and professionalism whenever they are called upon to support civil authorities during elections, stressing that their role should be limited to providing assistance where security conditions warrant such intervention.
The position was reiterated at a seminar organised by the Army War College Nigeria in Abuja on election security, civil-military relations and the legal framework guiding democratic elections. The event brought together senior military officers, representatives of INEC, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to deliberate on strategies to ensure peaceful, credible and constitutionally compliant elections in 2027.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Al-Hassan Umar, said the Constitution clearly assigns responsibility for election management to INEC, while the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead security agency under the framework of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
“As both a teacher and practitioner of law, permit me to begin by reaffirming the constitutional framework governing election security in Nigeria. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly delineates the responsibilities of institutions involved in the electoral process. INEC is constitutionally mandated to organise, undertake and supervise elections, while the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security under the framework of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security”, he said.
Amupitan stressed that military involvement in elections should never become routine, noting that the Armed Forces could only be deployed in aid of civil authorities where prevailing security conditions make such intervention necessary.
“The role of the Armed Forces is exceptional rather than routine. Their deployment arises only where prevailing security conditions require military support in aid of the civil authorities and strictly in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws. Accordingly, the Armed Forces perform a supportive rather than supervisory role, protective rather than political, and one firmly anchored in constitutional responsibility”, he said.
Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting elections that are transparent, inclusive, technologically driven and professionally administered in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The INEC chairman also assured that the Commission would continue to make adequate provisions for persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups to guarantee broad participation in the electoral process.
Calling for professionalism from security agencies, he said election-day security must inspire public confidence while safeguarding voters, election officials and electoral materials.
“In this regard, we look forward to the continued support of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in ensuring that election-day security is discharged with professionalism, restraint and respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every citizen. Security personnel must inspire confidence, protect voters, safeguard election officials and preserve the integrity of the electoral process. Our shared objective is not merely the conduct of peaceful elections, but elections in which every Nigerian can freely exercise the constitutional right to vote without fear, intimidation or unlawful interference”, he added.
Defence Chief Orders Strict Neutrality Ahead of 2027 Polls
Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, directed members of the Armed Forces to uphold strict neutrality, professionalism and international human rights standards in all election-related operations.
Represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, the CDS said the military remained committed to supporting democratic governance within the limits of its constitutional mandate, noting that the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 would be measured not only by the absence of violence but also by adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights.
“As we approach the electioneering period, with increasing political activities across the country, it is imperative that Armed Forces personnel are constantly reminded of their roles to ensure the maintenance of strict neutrality, professionalism and adherence to international human rights provisions”, he said.
Oluyede noted that previous elections had tested the Armed Forces’ operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and civil-military relations due to the activities of disruptive elements, but said the military had consistently demonstrated professionalism in protecting Nigeria’s democratic process.
He explained that the seminar was designed to equip commanders and staff officers with the knowledge and operational skills required to function effectively in a rapidly evolving security environment while remaining faithful to the Armed Forces’ constitutional responsibilities.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, as provided in the 1999 Constitution, has a clear mandate to suppress insurrection and provide aid to civil authorities when called upon. We have consistently acted within the confines of this constitutional provision, demonstrating professionalism and operational readiness in all our engagements”, he said.
The Defence Chief further commended officers and soldiers for their conduct during recent off-cycle and by-elections in Ekiti, Kano, Kebbi, Rivers, Nasarawa, Enugu and Ondo states, saying their professionalism contributed to peaceful and incident-free electoral exercises.
“The professional conduct of Armed Forces personnel contributed to the seamless and incident-free elections witnessed in these states. I expect that the lessons from these elections will be applied to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, enhance rapid response capabilities and ensure the protection of law-abiding citizens while maintaining political neutrality”, he stated.
Oluyede described the seminar as timely and strategic, urging commanders and participants to translate the lessons learnt into effective field operations.
“I must state unequivocally that the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 will not only be measured by the absence of violence or disruption of the electoral process but also by adherence to basic democratic principles and respect for human rights. I therefore urge commanders, staff officers and all participants to leave this seminar equipped with the knowledge and skills required to operate effectively in a rapidly changing and high-threat environment in the interest of national stability”, he said.
The seminar attracted field commanders, senior officers of the Armed Forces, officials of the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies and representatives of INEC as part of efforts to deepen inter-agency collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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