INEC Rejects Routine Military Deployment for Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially rejected the routine deployment of military forces during elections, asserting that such deployment should only occur when prevailing security conditions necessitate military support to civil authorities. This statement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, through the Director of Legal at the Commission, Al-Hassan Umar, during a keynote address at the Army War College in Abuja.

Prof. Amupitan reiterated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly defines the roles of institutions involved in election management, designating the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency for election security. He stated, “INEC is constitutionally mandated to organise, undertake and supervise elections,” and emphasized that the role of the Armed Forces is exceptional and not routine, highlighting that their deployment must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions and applicable laws.