INEC Chair Advocates Limited Military Role in Elections

Prof Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), articulated that the deployment of the Armed Forces during elections should be an exceptional measure rather than a routine practice. He made this statement while being represented by Al-Hassan Umar, the Director of Legal, during a seminar in Abuja.

Amupitan emphasized that military involvement should only occur under specific security conditions that necessitate support for civil authorities. He clarified that the INEC is constitutionally mandated to conduct elections, while the Nigeria Police Force is the lead agency for election security.

The Armed Forces' role is to be supportive and protective, ensuring the civilian nature of elections is preserved. He noted that military responsibilities may include securing national assets and assisting civil authorities when extraordinary security interventions are required.

Amupitan urged the Armed Forces to maintain political neutrality and professionalism during elections, reinforcing that they serve the Nigerian State and Constitution, not any political party or individual.