The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has raised a strong alarm over the prevailing insecurity across Nigeria, stating that it constitutes a major threat to the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
Prof. Amupitan made the remark during a strategic visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, in Abuja, as the Commission intensifies preparations for the upcoming general elections scheduled for January 16, 2027 (presidential) and February 6, 2027 (governorship and state assemblies).
“In Nigeria, our electoral system has faced numerous challenges over the years, ranging from malpractices to threats of violence and vote trading that undermine the confidence of the electorate,” Prof. Amupitan said.
He emphasised that these challenges not only affect election outcomes but also pose significant risks to national security.
“The scale of insecurity across the various parts of Nigeria presents a threat to the conduct of fair elections. It is essential that we carry out a total security risk analysis ahead of the elections. This will enable us to identify potential flashpoints and deploy appropriate strategies to mitigate risks, thereby safeguarding voters, electoral officials, and the integrity of the electoral process.”
The INEC Chairman stressed the need for robust collaboration between the Commission and security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which leads electoral security operations. He noted that ongoing electoral activities, including party congresses and forthcoming primaries under the Electoral Act 2026, further heighten the need for proactive security planning.
Prof. Amupitan also highlighted upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as several by-elections, describing them as critical tests for Nigeria’s democracy.
On humanitarian grounds, the Chairman called for special attention to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and persons with disabilities. “It is their right to vote, and they must not be disenfranchised,” he said, urging security agencies to ensure a conducive environment for these vulnerable groups to exercise their franchise.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, assured INEC of the Force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, nationwide threat assessments, and strict enforcement of electoral laws. He warned that perpetrators of political violence, vote-buying, ballot snatching, voter intimidation, and attacks on electoral materials and officials would be arrested and prosecuted