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DHQ trains military personnel on election duties
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to ensure strict neutrality, professionalism and adherence to international human rights provisions while carrying out their electoral duties.
He said the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 would not only be measured by the absence of violence or disruption of the electoral process, but also by adherence to fundamental principles and respect for human rights.
Gen. Oluyede gave the charge at the opening of a one-day seminar on the role of Armed Forces personnel during elections, organised by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
The seminar, titled “The Role of the AFN 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 the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye at the seminar, the CDS said past elections had tested the Armed Forces’ inter-agency coordination, civil-military relations and operational readiness through the activities of some unscrupulous elements. He added that “the unflinching resolve and unalloyed commitment of the Armed Forces to securing the nation has always protected the integrity of our country and the democratic process”.
Gen. Oluyede, while noting the security challenges bedevilling the nation and the need to create an enabling environment for the smooth conduct of the 2027 general elections, said the seminar was aimed at equipping commanders with the necessary knowledge and reinforcing their understanding of the constitutional role of the Armed Forces in ensuring crisis-free elections.
He said:
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is saddled with a distinct and clear mandate to suppress insurrection and provide aid to civil authority when called upon.
“To this end, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has continuously acted within the confines of this provision, projecting its professionalism and operational readiness in the conduct of its engagements.”
He added:
“As we approach the electioneering period, with a steady increase in political activities, it is imperative that the Armed Forces of Nigeria personnel are constantly reminded of their roles to ensure the maintenance of strict neutrality, professionalism and adherence to International Human Rights provisions.
“I am certain that this seminar will distinctly align Field Commanders and Staff Officers to their roles, as well as reiterate the importance of adhering to the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for the conduct of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027.”
The CDS commended officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their roles in ensuring crisis-free elections and for their dedication to keeping the country united. He said AFN personnel played a vital role in the recently concluded off-cycle and by-elections in Ekiti, Kano, Kebbi, Rivers, Nasarawa, Enugu and Ondo states.
He said:
“The professional conduct of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria contributed to the seamless and incident-free elections witnessed within these states.
“I expect that the lessons from these previous elections will be brought to the fore in order to refine and strengthen inter-agency cooperation, ensure rapid response and protection of law-abiding citizens while remaining apolitical.”
He described the seminar as timely and critical in re-emphasising the non-negotiable stance of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on adherence to the principles of impartiality, neutrality and respect for human rights.
He said:
“I must also mention 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 principles and respect for human rights.
“I therefore urge Commanders, Staff Officers and other participants here today to equip themselves, as a key takeaway from this seminar, with all the requisite knowledge to operate in a rapidly changing and high-threat environment for improved national stability.”
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, noted the importance of security in the electoral process and the commission’s constitutional mandate to conduct elections. He pointed out that the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
Represented by the Director of Legal Services, Al-Hassan Umar (SAN), the INEC chairman commended the Armed Forces for their patriotism in protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and described their role during elections as supportive, protective and exceptional.
He said:
“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.
“Accordingly, the Armed Forces perform a supportive rather than supervisory role, protective rather than political, and one firmly anchored in constitutional responsibility.”
Amupitan assured INEC’s commitment to conducting elections that are transparent, inclusive, technologically driven, professionally administered and fully compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
He said:
“The Commission also remains committed to deepening electoral inclusivity. Special attention continues to be given to the needs of persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups, so that no eligible citizen is excluded from participating in our democracy.
“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. Security personnel must inspire confidence, protect the voter, safeguard election officials and preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
“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.”
