Insecurity threatens credible elections, says INEC chair

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Wednesday warned that the scale of insecurity across different parts of Nigeria poses a major threat to the conduct of free and fair elections.

Amupitan made the remark during a visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, in Abuja, as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

He said the prevailing security challenges, including violence and threats to electoral processes, could undermine credible polls if not properly addressed.

Amupitan said, “In Nigeria, our electoral system has placed numerous challenges over the years, ranging from malpractices to threats of violence, vote trading that undermine the confidence of the electorates.

“These challenges not only affect the outcome of our elections, but also pose significant risks to our national security. Thus, it is imperative that we address these concerns with utmost seriousness and resolve. In this regard, I would like to emphasise the importance of the proactive security measures.

“The scale of insecurity across the various parts of Nigeria presents a threat to the conduct of the fair election. It is essential that we carry out total security risk analysis ahead of the election and 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.”

According to him, such measures would help identify flashpoints and enable the deployment of strategies to safeguard voters, electoral officials and the integrity of the process.

Amupitan noted that elections scheduled for January 16, 2027 (presidential) and February 6, 2027 (governorship and state assemblies) require strong collaboration between INEC and security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, which leads electoral security operations.

He added that ongoing electoral activities, including party congresses and forthcoming primaries under the Electoral Act 2026, further heighten the need for proactive security planning.

The INEC chairman also highlighted upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as several by-elections across the country, describing them as critical tests for Nigeria’s democracy.

On humanitarian concerns, Amupitan drew attention to Internally Displaced Persons camps across the country, insisting that displaced citizens must not be disenfranchised.

“I also want to draw attention to several IDP camps that are scattered all over Nigeria. Let me say that it is their right to also vote, and they must not be disenfranchised.

“As the electoral body, we are doing everything to ensure that all those in IDP camps are given the conducive environment to exercise their franchise, and also the people with disabilities. So therefore, we commend all these people, categories of persons, persons in IDP camps, as well as persons with disabilities to the IG for special attention and care,” he said.

Responding, the Inspector-General of Police assured that the Force would adopt intelligence-led deployment and preventive policing strategies to address emerging threats such as political violence, arms proliferation, cyber manipulation, and attacks on electoral infrastructure.

Disu said the police had commenced nationwide threat assessments and intelligence mapping, and would work closely with other security agencies to ensure adequate protection of electoral personnel, materials and facilities.

He also pledged strict enforcement of electoral laws, warning that offenders involved in vote-buying, ballot snatching, voter intimidation and destruction of electoral materials would be arrested and prosecuted.

The police chief further emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration, real-time intelligence sharing, and training of personnel to ensure professionalism and public confidence in the electoral process.

He said, “I assure you that the police will enforce electoral laws firmly and professionally. I want to repeat that again. We will ensure that we enforce electoral laws firmly and we do it professionally.

“I want to emphasise that individuals involved in ballot matching, vote buying, voter intimidation, destruction of electoral materials, violent destruction of polls or attack on electoral officials will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws.”

On the IDP, the IG said, “You mentioned the issue of people in the IDP camp. We have noted that they are in our plans. People with disability have been taken into cognisance and special plans have been put in place for them.”