2027: Insecurity Threatens Free, Fair Elections, INEC Warns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that insecurity remains a major threat to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the 2027 general elections.

Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the warning on Wednesday in Owerri, Imo State, at the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, which focused on developing a roadmap for effective management of security during elections.

Amupitan said the security situation in parts of the country could undermine the successful conduct of the January and February 2027 elections if not adequately addressed.

He said: “The scale of insecurity across various parts of the country presents a threat to the conduct of free and fair elections. It is essential that we carry out thorough security risk analyses ahead of the elections.”

The INEC chairman said security challenges, electoral violence, vote-buying and other forms of malpractice remained major concerns ahead of the polls.

According to him, the challenges facing the electoral process “not only affect the outcome of our elections but also pose significant risks to our national security.”

He stressed the need for security agencies to adopt proactive measures, conduct comprehensive risk assessments and identify potential flashpoints ahead of the elections.

Amupitan said the Commission was committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that voters, electoral officials and sensitive materials were adequately protected during the elections.

He also emphasised the importance of effective coordination among security agencies in dealing with emerging threats before, during and after the polls.

The INEC chairman said the successful conduct of the 2027 elections would require adequate preparation and cooperation among all stakeholders, particularly the security agencies.

The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6.

Amupitan’s warning came amid renewed preparations by INEC and security agencies for the elections, with the Commission identifying insecurity and vote-buying among the major concerns that could affect the electoral process.