NAF Pledges Airlift, Surveillance Support For INEC Election Operations

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the Nigerian Air Force’s continued support through airlift and surveillance capabilities to aid the successful conduct of elections across the country.

Air Marshal Aneke gave the assurance on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Amupitan stressed the importance of careful planning, efficient logistics and strong inter-agency collaboration in ensuring credible elections in Nigeria.

“The election can only be as good as the logistics,” the INEC Chairman said, adding that Nigerians expect the Commission to deliver a credible process ahead of the next general election.

He disclosed that the Commission has already released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

According to him, presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for February 16, 2027.

Prof. Amupitan noted that conducting elections across Nigeria’s vast terrain presents significant logistical challenges, particularly in deploying personnel and materials to remote and difficult areas.

“We recognise the ongoing challenges we face, particularly in deploying personnel and materials to difficult terrains. That is why this collaboration is not just important but necessary,” he said.

He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its support during previous elections, including the November 2025 Anambra governorship election, the February 2026 FCT Area Council election and several by-elections across the country.

“At very short notice, you were able to deliver. Even when we encountered minor challenges, you stepped in promptly to ensure there were no logistical gaps,” he added.

The INEC chairman said seamless logistics and adequate security are essential to strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.

“Our objective is clear , to strike the necessary link between legality and legitimacy, and that link is strengthened when logistics are seamless and security is assured,” he stated.

He also disclosed that the Commission would establish a joint technical team with the Nigerian Air Force to enhance operational planning and coordination ahead of major electoral activities.

“We are going to engage ahead of time. Early planning, detailed timelines and clarity on deployment sizes and locations are essential,” he said.

Earlier, Air Marshal Aneke congratulated Prof. Amupitan on his appointment and commended INEC’s reform initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and inclusiveness.

He described Nigeria as the largest democracy in Africa and noted that its democratic stability continues to be sustained by strong institutions such as INEC.

The Air Force chief assured the Commission that the Nigerian Air Force remains ready to provide airlift support for the deployment of electoral personnel and materials to remote locations across the country.

He added that heavy and medium-lift aircraft in the Air Force fleet are undergoing periodic maintenance to ensure full operational readiness for future electoral operations.

Beyond logistics, Aneke said the Air Force would deploy Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, including drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), to support monitoring of the electoral environment.

“These assets can remain airborne for extended periods and assist in the early detection of potential security threats,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of joint simulation exercises between both institutions to identify possible operational gaps ahead of major elections.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, expressing confidence that stronger coordination between INEC and the Nigerian Air Force would enhance the conduct of secure, orderly and credible elections in the country.