CDS Oluyede Urges Military to Uphold Human Rights for 2027

On Thursday, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria, directed members of the Armed Forces to maintain strict neutrality, professionalism, and respect for human rights as they prepare for security operations for the 2027 general elections. This directive was given at a one-day seminar organized by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) titled “The Role of the AFN in Conducting Free, Fair and Credible Elections: Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections in Perspective.” The seminar included field commanders, staff officers, police personnel, other security agencies, and officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, Oluyede stated that the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 would be assessed not only by the absence of violence but also by adherence to human rights standards. He reiterated the military's constitutional mandate to suppress insurrection and aid civil authority, emphasizing the need for military personnel to remain apolitical as political activities increase ahead of the elections.