The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has revealed that bandits were behind a plot to attack National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were to be deployed as ad hoc staff for the 2027 general elections. Amupitan made this disclosure at the Chatham House in London, stating that intelligence from the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) led to the arrest of the suspects by the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Amupitan, the suspects planned to target electoral workers to disrupt the conduct of the 2027 elections. He mentioned that the bandits were arrested after intelligence helped security operatives uncover the plot. The INEC chairman emphasized that the commission had strengthened its collaboration with security agencies to identify potential threats and prevent attacks on electoral personnel and facilities ahead of the elections.
The INEC chairman disclosed that the suspects were currently being prosecuted at the Federal High Court by the Department of State Services (DSS). Amupitan explained that INEC was using an Election Risk Management (ERM) tool to identify vulnerable areas and polling units across the country. This tool helps the commission to map polling stations within 500 metres of identified danger zones, enabling security agencies to make appropriate deployments and take preventive action.
Amupitan stressed that insecurity remained one of the major concerns ahead of the elections, but the commission was determined to ensure that the polls were conducted peacefully. He mentioned that INEC had learnt lessons from previous elections and was taking measures to address security, logistics, and result-management challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The INEC chairman emphasized that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections was crucial not only for the country but also for stability across West Africa and the African continent. Amupitan’s disclosure highlights the efforts being made by INEC to ensure the success of the 2027 general elections.
The plot to attack NYSC members was uncovered through intelligence gathered by ICCES, which helped security operatives to arrest the suspects. Amupitan mentioned that the main confession of the suspects was that they planned to target the 2027 election and ensure that it did not hold.
INEC’s efforts to address security concerns ahead of the 2027 elections include collaboration with security agencies and the use of the ERM tool. The commission’s determination to ensure a peaceful and credible election process is crucial for the stability of the country and the region.
Key points
- INEC chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan says bandits planned to attack NYSC members to frustrate 2027 elections.
