The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said peaceful and transparent elections are essential for Nigeria’s stability and democratic consolidation.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated this while hosting a delegation of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (ANNISS), led by its President, Mike Ejiofor.
Amupitan noted that the integrity of elections has a direct impact on national security.
“Credible elections are the bedrock of our democracy and their integrity directly impacts our national security. For us in INEC, a free, fair, and credible election cannot happen if it is not peaceful,” he said.
“It is, therefore, imperative that security agencies, policymakers and other stakeholders work together to uphold transparency, fairness and security during every electoral cycle.”
The INEC chairman hailed ANNISS for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through the training of senior officers across the armed forces, intelligence and regulatory agencies.
“As Nigeria continues to deepen its democratic processes, ensuring credible elections remains our foremost priority,” he said.
“We recognise that a secure environment is foundational to the success of the electoral process and ultimately to Nigeria’s progress,” he said.
Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to collaboration with security stakeholders, stressing that inter-agency synergy remains critical to the successful conduct of elections.
“INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections through innovative approaches and strengthened collaboration,” he added.
Ejiofor stressed the need for closer engagement between the electoral body and security professionals as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.
“The course at the Institute is designed for top management staff and addresses critical issues, including the security of the electoral process. Given what is expected of INEC as we approach 2027, the commission should not be left out of such strategic engagements,” he said.
The ANNISS alumni association’s president congratulated Amupitan on his appointment, describing the task of overseeing elections in a country of over 200 million people as a weighty national responsibility.
“No matter what we do, there may be hitches, but we pray for a seamless process in 2027. That is why this conversation on credible elections and national security is essential,” Ejiofor said.
He added that the forthcoming ANNISS annual lecture would bring together security experts, civil society actors and electoral stakeholders to examine ways of strengthening electoral integrity.
Ejiofor also announced that a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mike Igini, would serve as the guest speaker at the event.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
