The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) have raised concerns about the security and logistics of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, warned that funding constraints could undermine election logistics and security. The IGP, Olatunji Disu, emphasized the need for police officers to remain neutral and professional during the electoral process. The warnings were made at the sixth edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State.
Amupitan highlighted the critical role of financial resources in enabling INEC and security agencies to deploy personnel, electoral materials, and other resources required for smooth elections. He noted that INEC's funding is provided as a first-line charge, but the commission has extensive responsibilities, including elections at different levels of government and voter registration. Amupitan urged relevant authorities to provide necessary resources to enable INEC and security agencies to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
The INEC Chairman also emphasized the importance of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in coordinating the activities of INEC and security agencies. ICCES has evolved into a structured platform for election-security coordination since its establishment after the 2011 general elections. Amupitan stressed that ICCES plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of elections.
IGP Disu emphasized the need for police officers to remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process. He warned that any officer who takes sides, harasses voters, colludes with political actors, or abuses power during the elections will be investigated and punished. Disu stressed that the police will remain firm against electoral violence while ensuring that officers operate within the law.
The IGP directed police officers on election duties to understand the rules governing the use of force, emphasizing that force must be a last resort, lawful, and proportionate. He also stated that the police will work with INEC and security agencies to ensure effective coordination before and during the elections. Disu noted that no agency secures an election alone and that joint exercises will be held with INEC and sister agencies.
The next Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and House Assembly elections hold on February 6, 2027. The conference and retreat brought together senior officers and stakeholders to deliberate on election security ahead of the 2027 polls. The theme of the conference was 'Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Election'.
The success of the 2027 general elections depends on the ability of INEC and security agencies to address the concerns raised by Amupitan and Disu. The two officials emphasized the need for cooperation and adequate resources to ensure the smooth conduct of elections. The warnings and assurances are crucial in ensuring that the 2027 elections are free, fair, and credible.
Key points
- INEC and police chief raise concerns about funding constraints and security challenges ahead of 2027 elections.
- IGP warns police officers against taking sides or colluding with political actors during elections.
- INEC and security agencies to work together to ensure effective coordination and security during elections.
