INEC Chair Says Military Deployment During Elections Should Be Exceptional

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has said the deployment of the Armed Forces during elections should remain an exceptional measure rather than a routine practice. He stressed that military involvement should only occur when prevailing security conditions require support for civil authorities, in line with constitutional provisions.

Speaking at a seminar in Abuja, Amupitan explained that while INEC is constitutionally responsible for conducting elections, the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. He said the Armed Forces are expected to play a supportive role, assisting civil authorities only in extraordinary circumstances.

The INEC chairman noted that military responsibilities during elections may include protecting critical national infrastructure, securing sensitive electoral materials where necessary and providing additional security support in areas facing exceptional threats. He emphasised that this arrangement preserves the civilian nature of elections while ensuring adequate security whenever required.

Amupitan also urged military personnel to maintain absolute political neutrality whenever deployed for election duties, reminding them that their loyalty is to the Constitution and the Nigerian state rather than any political party or candidate. He added that professionalism, discipline and respect for citizens are essential to sustaining public confidence in both the electoral process and the Armed Forces.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he warned that election security now extends beyond physical violence to include cyber threats, misinformation, disinformation and other emerging risks. He said INEC is working closely with security agencies to strengthen coordination and ensure that Nigerians can vote freely, safely and without intimidation.