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• Says constitution makes police lead agency in poll security
By Philip Nwosu and Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated that the deployment of the Armed Forces during elections should remain an exceptional measure, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force is the constitutionally designated lead agency for election security under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated this while delivering a keynote address at a seminar organised by the Army War College Nigeria in Abuja. The seminar focused on election security, civil-military relations and the legal framework guiding the conduct of 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 commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, but maintained that their role during elections should be supportive, protective and strictly within constitutional limits.
“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.”
According to him, military involvement in election security is not intended to be routine but is only justified where prevailing security conditions require military 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.
“Accordingly, the Armed Forces perform a supportive rather than supervisory role, protective rather than political, and one firmly anchored in constitutional responsibility.”
Amupitan reaffirmed 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 would continue to prioritise inclusivity by making adequate provisions for persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups.
“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 voters, 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.”
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Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, charged members of the Armed Forces to maintain strict neutrality, professionalism and adherence to international human rights standards in the discharge of election-related duties.
Represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, the CDS said the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 would not only be measured by the absence of violence or disruption but also by respect for the rule of law and 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,” was attended by field commanders and staff officers from the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies and INEC.
Oluyede noted that previous elections had tested the Armed Forces’ operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and civil-military relations through the activities of unscrupulous elements, but said the military 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,” he said.
He added that the seminar was designed to equip commanders and staff officers with the knowledge required to operate in a rapidly evolving security environment while remaining faithful to the Armed Forces’ constitutional mandate.
“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. We have consistently acted within the confines of this constitutional provision, demonstrating professionalism and operational readiness in all our engagements.”
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.
“The professional conduct of Armed Forces personnel contributed to the seamless and incident-free elections witnessed in these states.
“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.”
He described the seminar as timely and critical to reinforcing the Armed Forces’ commitment to impartiality, neutrality and respect for human rights.
“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.
“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.”
