The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has issued a stark warning that the escalating insecurity across Nigeria poses a significant threat to the conduct of free and fair elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.
Speaking during a meeting with Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu in Abuja, Amupitan highlighted the growing dangers of political violence, voter intimidation, and attacks on electoral officials. He emphasized that these issues, if left unaddressed, could severely undermine the credibility of the upcoming elections.
Need for Comprehensive Security Assessments
Amupitan stressed the urgency of conducting thorough security risk assessments before the elections. He called on security agencies to identify potential flashpoints early and develop strategies to prevent violence and disruptions during the electoral process.
“The scale of insecurity across various parts of Nigeria presents a threat to the conduct of fair elections,” Amupitan stated. He urged stronger collaboration between INEC and security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which plays a leading role in election security operations nationwide.
Concerns for Displaced Nigerians
The INEC chairman also expressed concern for Nigerians displaced by insecurity, insisting that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in camps across the country must not be disenfranchised. He called on authorities to ensure their participation in the electoral process.
This warning comes amid rising political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, including consultations, party alignments, and preparations for off-cycle governorship elections in states such as Ekiti and Osun.
Historical Context and Police Response
Election security has remained a major concern in Nigeria following incidents of violence, attacks on polling units, and voter suppression in previous elections. In response, the Inspector-General of Police assured Nigerians that security agencies have already begun intelligence gathering, nationwide threat assessments, and strategic planning to prevent electoral violence and safeguard voters, officials, and materials.
Amupitan’s warning adds to growing conversations about the ability of security agencies to guarantee peaceful and credible elections as Nigeria approaches another major electoral cycle.
