The Independent National Electoral Commission has reiterated that the deployment of the Armed Forces during elections should remain an exceptional measure, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force is constitutionally designated as the lead agency for election security under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
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INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated this in a keynote address delivered at a seminar organised by the Army War College Nigeria in Abuja on election security, civil-military relations and the legal framework governing democratic elections.
Represented by the commission’s Director of Legal Services, Al-Hassan Umar, Amupitan commended the Armed Forces for their patriotism, professionalism and commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He maintained, however, that the military’s involvement in elections must remain supportive, protective and strictly within the limits established by the Constitution and other applicable laws.
“As both a teacher and practitioner of law, permit me to begin by reaffirming the constitutional framework governing election security in Nigeria,” he said.
“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.”
The INEC chairman explained that military deployment during elections was not intended to be routine and should occur only when the prevailing security situation required assistance to civil authorities.
“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,” Amupitan said.
“Accordingly, the Armed Forces perform a supportive rather than supervisory role, protective rather than political, and one firmly anchored in constitutional responsibility.”
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting elections that are transparent, inclusive, technologically driven, professionally administered and compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
Amupitan said INEC would continue to make adequate provisions for persons with disabilities, elderly voters, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups to ensure that no eligible citizen was excluded from participating in the electoral process.
He called for continued cooperation from the Armed Forces and other security agencies, stressing that election security must be provided with professionalism, restraint and respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of citizens.
“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,” he said.
“Security personnel must inspire confidence, protect voters, safeguard election officials and preserve the integrity of the electoral process.”
According to him, the objective of election security should go beyond preventing violence to creating an environment in which every Nigerian can vote freely without intimidation or unlawful interference.
“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,” Amupitan added.
Also speaking at the seminar, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, charged members of the Armed Forces to maintain strict political neutrality, professionalism and compliance with international human rights standards while carrying out election-related duties.
Represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, the CDS said the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 would not be assessed solely by the absence of electoral violence or disruption.
He said respect for the rule of law, democratic principles and fundamental human rights would also be important measures of the operation’s success.
The seminar, titled “The Role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in Conducting Free, Fair and Credible Elections: Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections in Perspective,” was attended by field commanders and staff officers from the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies and INEC.
Oluyede said previous elections had tested the military’s operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and relationship with civilian populations because of the activities of unscrupulous elements seeking to disrupt the process.
He maintained that the Armed Forces had consistently demonstrated professionalism and commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democracy.
“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,” the CDS said.
He explained that the seminar was designed to equip commanders and staff officers with the knowledge and skills required to operate in a rapidly changing security environment while remaining faithful to the constitutional responsibilities of the Armed Forces.
“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,” Oluyede said.
“We have consistently acted within the confines of this constitutional provision, demonstrating professionalism and operational readiness in all our engagements.”
The CDS commended military officers and personnel for their conduct during recent off-cycle and by-elections in Ekiti, Kano, Kebbi, Rivers, Nasarawa, Enugu and Ondo states.
He said their professionalism contributed to the seamless and largely incident-free conduct of the elections in the affected states.
“The professional conduct of Armed Forces personnel contributed to the seamless and incident-free elections witnessed in these states,” he said.
“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.”
Oluyede described the seminar as timely and critical to reinforcing the Armed Forces’ commitment to impartiality, political neutrality and respect for human rights ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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,” he said.
He urged commanders, staff officers and other participants to apply the lessons from the seminar in preparing for the complex security challenges that could arise during the elections.
“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,” the CDS stated.
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