2027: INEC Sets Up Committee On Election Logistics

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated an Electoral Logistics Committee to strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections and address challenges associated with the distribution of election materials across the country.

The committee is chaired by National Electoral Commissioner, retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq, who oversees security matters at the commission.

At the inauguration ceremony at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the commission’s chairman said the timely availability of election materials at polling units was critical to the success of elections.

He said the committee was established to coordinate the transportation of election materials across the country by road, air and waterways.

According to him, the committee will assess logistical requirements for the elections, develop plans for the storage and distribution of materials, and evaluate the readiness of warehouses, vehicles, airports, seaports and other transportation facilities.

Its responsibilities also include identifying logistical gaps, addressing transportation bottlenecks and shortages, monitoring compliance with deployment schedules, and developing strategies to mitigate security threats.

The INEC chairman stressed that Nigeria’s diverse geographical conditions, including the creeks of the Niger Delta and difficult terrain in parts of the northern region, required flexible and effective transportation arrangements.

He said no eligible voter should be disenfranchised because election materials arrived late, emphasising the importance of early planning in delivering credible elections.

In her remarks, Abubakar-Sadiq said the committee would develop a strategic logistics plan based on lessons from previous elections, identify operational weaknesses and recommend measures to ensure the smooth deployment of election materials.

She said the committee would focus on airlift and cargo operations, land and maritime transportation, and the identification of difficult terrain, security-challenged areas and locations vulnerable to crises.

The committee is also expected to recommend appropriate transportation and security arrangements for high-risk locations and submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations and operational timelines.

Abubakar-Sadiq proposed the establishment of specialised subcommittees to oversee airlift operations, land transportation, maritime transportation, storage and security, where necessary.

She further disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria would receive, store and distribute sensitive election materials through its nationwide branch network.

The committee will also work with relevant government institutions, state offices, transport unions and other stakeholders to facilitate the secure and efficient movement of election materials.

Representatives of the military, police, paramilitary agencies and transport organisations attended the inauguration.

They included officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian