The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered sensitive election materials ahead of the upcoming governorship election in Ekiti State and a series of legislative by-elections scheduled for June 20, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The operation was conducted at the request of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the timely and secure distribution of materials before voting commences.
Details of the Airlift Operation
In a statement, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame revealed that the airlift took place between June 15 and 16, covering preparations for the Ekiti governorship election as well as senatorial and federal constituency by-elections in several states. The by-elections include those in the Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, Nasarawa North Senatorial District of Nasarawa State, and Rivers South East Senatorial District of Rivers State. Additionally, federal constituency by-elections will be held in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State and Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency in Kebbi State.
According to the air force, the sensitive materials were flown from Abuja to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers, and Kano states using its airlift assets. “Leveraging its strategic airlift capabilities, the NAF transported the sensitive electoral materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers, and Kano States, ensuring that INEC received the materials within the stipulated timeline ahead of the elections,” Ejodame said.
Military Support for Democratic Processes
The operation is part of a long-standing collaboration between the military and Nigeria’s electoral commission aimed at facilitating logistics for major elections. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the personnel involved in the mission, describing the successful delivery as evidence of the military’s support for democratic institutions. “The successful airlift underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development,” Aneke stated. He further emphasized that the air force remains prepared to assist civil authorities while maintaining operational readiness for national security duties.
INEC is preparing for the Ekiti governorship election, one of Nigeria’s off-cycle state polls, where 13 political parties are expected to contest. The election will be conducted across the state’s 117 wards and more than 2,000 polling units spread across its 16 local government areas. Election observers have repeatedly identified the timely deployment of sensitive materials as a key factor in ensuring credible and orderly polls in Africa’s most populous country.
