INEC: Police to Lead Election Security, Military as Support

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force is the constitutionally recognized lead agency for election security, with military deployment being an exceptional measure. INEC Chairman, Prof.

Joash Amupitan, made this statement during a keynote address at a seminar organized by the Army War College Nigeria in Abuja, focusing on election security and civil-military relations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Amupitan stressed that military involvement should only occur under exceptional circumstances where security conditions necessitate assistance to civil authorities, in strict accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.

He highlighted the constitutional framework that delineates the roles of institutions in the electoral process, asserting that the police are primarily responsible for maintaining law and order during elections. The Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security was established to promote coordination among security agencies while ensuring the police retain operational leadership.

Amupitan concluded that military deployment should not become routine during elections.