INEC, Air Force To Set Up Committee On Election Logistics, Security

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will establish a joint committee with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to strengthen logistics and security arrangements ahead of forthcoming elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja when the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, paid a courtesy visit to the commission.

Amupitan said the committee would enhance coordination between INEC and the Air Force in preparation for key electoral activities, including off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.

“As part of this collaboration and partnership, we are going to set up a team so that we can work together ahead of time. The failure to plan is planning to fail,” he said.

The INEC chairman noted that the commission had already released the timetable for the 2027 general elections, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state assembly elections will be held on February 16, 2027.

He also disclosed that the commission would conduct the Ekiti State governorship election in June and the Osun State governorship election on August 15, describing them as crucial exercises ahead of the general elections.

Amupitan stressed that successful elections depend largely on effective logistics and security arrangements, adding that INEC intends to deepen its collaboration with the military, particularly in the areas of transportation and access to difficult terrains.

“An election can only be as good as its logistics. Given the challenges we sometimes face in moving materials and personnel across the country, it has become necessary to strengthen collaboration with institutions that have the required capacity,” he said.

He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its support in previous elections, including the Anambra governorship election, the FCT Area Council elections, and several by-elections conducted across the country.
Amupitan further said the commission would continue to work closely with the Air Force and other security agencies to ensure effective planning, coordination and deployment of logistics for future elections.

Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to supporting INEC in the successful conduct of elections nationwide.

He noted that the Air Force had consistently assisted the commission in transporting electoral materials and personnel, particularly to remote and hard-to-reach areas.

According to him, the service is already taking steps to ensure that its aircraft are ready for future electoral operations.
“At present, we are working to ensure that all our heavy haulage and medium-lift aircraft undergo periodic maintenance so that by the time you need us, they will be ready,” Aneke said.

He added that the Air Force could also deploy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, including drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles, to support election monitoring and help detect potential security threats.

“These assets can remain airborne for long periods to monitor areas of interest and assist relevant agencies in responding quickly to security challenges,” he said.
Aneke also stated that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to protect electoral infrastructure, including INEC facilities, collation centres and logistics hubs.

He noted that his visit was aimed at strengthening the existing partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and INEC in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.