INEC Rejects Military as Lead Security for Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially rejected the military as the lead security agency for elections, marking a significant shift from previous practices. This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, during a keynote address at a summit organized by the Army War College in Abuja.

He clarified that the Nigeria Police Force is the primary institution responsible for securing polling units and maintaining public order, as outlined in the constitutional and legal framework. The military's role is now limited to supporting the police, with deployment only in extraordinary circumstances when civil authorities are overwhelmed.

While military presence has historically been linked to voter intimidation, it may still be necessary to ensure credible elections, particularly in violence-prone areas. The focus is shifting towards training initiatives like Operation Safe Conduct 2027 to align military operations with democratic standards and human rights principles, while also addressing security threats from insurgents and armed political thugs.