Abayomi Susan
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated that the deployment of the Armed Forces during elections should only be considered an exceptional measure, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force remains the constitutionally recognised lead agency responsible for election security.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the clarification while delivering a keynote address at a seminar organised by the Army War College Nigeria in Abuja, with the theme focusing on election security, civil-military relations and the legal framework guiding democratic elections in Nigeria.
Represented by the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Al-Hassan Umar, Amupitan commended the Armed Forces for their patriotism and dedication to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity but maintained that their involvement in elections must remain supportive and within the limits of constitutional provisions.
He noted that the Constitution clearly defines the responsibilities of institutions involved in the electoral process, with INEC saddled with the responsibility of organising, conducting and supervising elections, while the Nigeria Police Force leads election security operations through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
According to him, military participation in election security is not designed to be a regular practice but should only occur when security situations demand assistance from the Armed Forces in support of civil authorities.
“The role of the Armed Forces is exceptional rather than routine. Their deployment is only necessary where prevailing security conditions require military support, and such involvement must strictly comply with the Constitution and other relevant laws,” he stated.
Amupitan explained that the military’s role in elections remains protective rather than supervisory and must be guided by constitutional responsibility, neutrality and professionalism.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting elections that are transparent, inclusive, technology-driven and compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The INEC chairman added that the commission would continue to prioritise the participation of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, elderly citizens and pregnant women, while seeking the cooperation of security agencies to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
He urged security personnel deployed during elections to protect voters, safeguard electoral officials and uphold the integrity of the democratic process while respecting the rights and dignity of citizens.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, urged military personnel involved in election duties to maintain strict neutrality, professionalism and compliance with international human rights standards.
Represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, the CDS said the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 would not only depend on preventing violence and disruptions but also on ensuring respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights.
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,” brought together commanders, staff officers, security agencies and INEC officials.
Oluyede said previous elections had tested the Armed Forces’ operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and civil-military relations, noting that the military had continued to demonstrate commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democracy.
He stressed the need for personnel to remain politically neutral as election activities intensify across the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, as provided under the 1999 Constitution, have a clear mandate to suppress insurrection and provide aid to civil authorities when called upon. We have consistently operated within this constitutional framework,” he said.
The CDS commended officers and soldiers for their professionalism during recent off-cycle and by-elections in Ekiti, Kano, Kebbi, Rivers, Nasarawa, Enugu and Ondo states, describing their conduct as a demonstration of commitment to democratic stability.
He urged commanders and officers to apply lessons learned from previous elections to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, improve response capabilities and protect citizens while maintaining political neutrality.
Oluyede described the seminar as timely, noting that it would further reinforce the Armed Forces’ commitment to impartiality, professionalism and respect for human rights ahead of the 2027 general elections.
