From David Onuoja, Abuja
Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has emphasised the importance of security agencies’ role in ensuring peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria.
Speaking at the first regular meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), Amupitan highlighted the Commission’s preparations for the FCT Area Council Election on February 21, 2026, and upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
He commended Security Agencies for their professionalism in the Anambra State Governorship Election, stating that, it was a testament to their dedication. While urging agencies to maintain constant communication, rapid response mechanisms, and professionalism, especially at flashpoints.
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Amupitan added that the Commission will conduct a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise to sanitize the national register ahead of the 2027 General Election. He stated the need for security support to protect facilities, personnel, and citizens, particularly in areas prone to disruption.
He also highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, saying that elections succeed when institutions work in harmony. “The Commission relies on security agencies’ professionalism, neutrality, and commitment to duty to secure the electoral process”, he said.
While speaking after the INEC Chairman, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Hassan Abdullahi, Director, Internal Security, office of the National Security Adviser, said, NSA, Pledged Support for Peaceful FCT Area Council Election.
NSA, in collaboration with security agencies, has pledged to ensure peaceful FCT Area Council Elections on February 21, 2026. He commended INEC and security agencies for the successful Anambra State Governorship Election.
Abdullahi announced that the Nigeria Police Force, as lead agency, will deploy adequate personnel to polling stations and high-risk areas. Political thugs and vote buyers will be identified and apprehended, with politicians urged to conduct themselves with decorum.
The NSA also highlighted on the upcoming electoral events, including bye-elections in Rivers and Kano States, and governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States. He called on media, civil society, and citizens to support peaceful elections, strengthening democratic integrity.
