The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has issued a stark warning that insecurity poses a serious threat to the credibility of the 2027 general elections. He stressed that violence, vote trading, and electoral malpractices continue to undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. Amupitan called for proactive security measures and stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police to safeguard voters, officials, and the integrity of the electoral process.
Security Concerns Raised During Visit to IGP
Speaking on Wednesday during a visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, in Abuja, Amupitan expressed deep concerns about the impact of insecurity on the upcoming elections. He noted that violence and threats across different regions could undermine the conduct of free and fair polls in 2027. According to reports, he emphasized that the prevailing challenges, including vote trading and electoral malpractices, continue to weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
“In Nigeria, our electoral system has faced numerous challenges over the years, ranging from malpractices to threats of violence and vote trading that undermine the confidence of the electorate,” Amupitan stated.
Security Measures for 2027 General Elections
Amupitan emphasized the need for proactive security planning ahead of the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, and the governorship and state assembly elections on February 6, 2027. He stressed that a total security risk analysis must be conducted to identify potential flashpoints and deploy appropriate strategies to mitigate risks. This would help safeguard voters, electoral officials, and the integrity of the electoral process.
“The scale of insecurity across various parts of Nigeria presents a threat to the conduct of fair elections. It is essential that we carry out a comprehensive security risk analysis ahead of the election to identify potential flashpoints and deploy appropriate strategies to mitigate risks,” he said.
He noted that strong collaboration between INEC and security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, is vital since the police lead electoral security operations.
Off-Cycle Elections and the Electoral Act 2026
The INEC chairman also pointed out that ongoing political activities, including party congresses and primaries under the Electoral Act 2026, heighten the need for robust security measures. He described upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as several by-elections nationwide, as critical tests for Nigeria’s democratic resilience.
Protecting Internally Displaced Persons
Amupitan highlighted humanitarian concerns, stressing that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and persons with disabilities must not be excluded from the electoral process. He emphasized that IDPs in camps scattered across Nigeria have the right to vote and must not be disenfranchised. INEC is working to provide a conducive environment for these groups to exercise their voting rights.
“I also want to draw attention to several IDP camps that are scattered all over Nigeria. Let me say that it is their right to also vote, and they must not be disenfranchised,” he said.
In response, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu pledged that the Force would adopt intelligence-led deployment and preventive policing strategies. He stated that measures would be taken to tackle emerging threats such as political violence, arms proliferation, cyber manipulation, and attacks on electoral infrastructure.
Political Reactions and Implications
Legit.ng earlier reported that the call by opposition leaders for the resignation of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan has been described as a political move by political analyst Omotayo Yusuf. Yusuf maintained that the plot is for the opposition to back their argument in the court of public opinion and the court of law because they do not see a pathway to victory for them in the 2027 elections.
The warning from the INEC chairman underscores the critical need for enhanced security measures to protect the electoral process and ensure the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy in the 2027 elections.
