102
By Tracy Moses
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has stressed that efficient logistics will be critical to the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections, calling for stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force to ensure the timely deployment of electoral materials and personnel across the country.
Amupitan made the call in Abuja while receiving the Chief of the Air Staff, Hasan Bala Abubakar, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters.
He described the visit as a reaffirmation of the long-standing partnership between INEC and the Air Force in supporting Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly in the areas of logistics and security.
According to him, the support of the Air Force has been crucial in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections, especially in transporting sensitive and non-sensitive materials to difficult and remote locations across the country.
Amupitan noted that elections can only be as successful as the logistics behind them, stressing that the timely deployment of materials and personnel plays a vital role in guaranteeing credible polls.
“As we look forward to the 2027 elections, we recognise the challenges ahead, but we are confident that with your continued partnership and support, we can ensure a secure and orderly environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights,” he said.
“An election can only be as good as its logistics. If we are able to deploy materials and personnel on time across the country, that would go a long way in guaranteeing the credibility of the process.”
The INEC chairman disclosed that the Commission had already released the timetable for the 2027 general elections following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
He explained that presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for February 16, 2027.
Amupitan added that preparations for the elections were already underway, assuring that INEC would share its operational plans with the Air Force to ensure effective coordination ahead of the polls.
He also revealed that the Commission would conduct off-cycle governorship elections before the general polls, beginning with the election in Ekiti State in June and that of Osun State scheduled for August 15.
According to him, the elections will serve as important rehearsal exercises ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The INEC chairman further commended the Air Force for its support during recent electoral exercises, including the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, elections in the Federal Capital Territory and several by-elections conducted in different parts of the country.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, Abubakar, reaffirmed the readiness of the Nigerian Air Force to support INEC in delivering free, fair and credible elections.
He said the service considers its partnership with the electoral body a vital contribution to national stability and democratic governance.
According to him, the Air Force will continue to provide rapid airlift for both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials, particularly to hard-to-reach areas, while also supporting election security operations.
Abubakar disclosed that the Air Force was already working to ensure that its aircraft fleet would be fully operational ahead of the election period, with some aircraft currently undergoing maintenance to boost airlift capacity.
“We remain willing, able and ready to continue providing support whenever required. Once there is a landing space, the Air Force can move your materials and personnel,” he said.
He also highlighted the growing role of technology in election security, noting that the Air Force has developed capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance using drones and other aerial assets.
According to him, such systems can help monitor areas of interest, detect potential threats early and support coordinated responses by security agencies during elections.
The Air Chief further called for joint preparatory exercises and simulation drills between the Air Force and INEC to test operational plans ahead of the elections.
He said such rehearsals would help identify potential weaknesses and strengthen coordination among institutions involved in the electoral process.