NAF airlifts election materials for Ekiti guber, by-elections

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force(NAF) has airlifted sensitive electoral materials for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election and a series of senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled for June 20, 2026.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation was carried out between June 15 and 16 at the request of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), to ensure the secure and timely movement of sensitive materials from Abuja to designated locations across the country.

In a statement, Ejodame said the operation covered preparations for the Ekiti governorship election, senatorial by-elections in Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, Nasarawa North Senatorial District of Nasarawa State and Rivers South East Senatorial District of Rivers State.

While noting that the operation also supported federal constituency by-elections in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State and Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, he said the NAF deployed its airlift capabilities to transport the materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers and Kano states.

“Leveraging its strategic airlift capabilities, the NAF transported the sensitive electoral materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers and Kano States, ensuring that INEC received the materials within the stipulated timeline ahead of the elections,” he said.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication.

The successful airlift underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development,” Aneke said.

“The NAF remained ready to provide “timely and effective support to civil authorities in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities while maintaining a high level of operational readiness in defence of the nation.”