Insecurity threatens free, fair polls – INEC chairman

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has raised concerns over the growing insecurity across Nigeria, warning that it poses a serious threat to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country. Amupitan spoke on Wednesday during a visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, in Abuja, […]

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has raised concerns over the growing insecurity across Nigeria, warning that it poses a serious threat to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country.

Amupitan spoke on Wednesday during a visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, in Abuja, ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The INEC chairman said persistent violence, electoral malpractice and security threats could undermine public confidence in the electoral process if urgent and proactive measures are not taken.

“In Nigeria, our electoral system has placed numerous challenges over the years, ranging from malpractices to threats of violence, vote trading that undermine the confidence of the electorates,” Amupitan said.

“These challenges not only affect the outcome of our elections, but also pose significant risks to our national security. Thus, it is imperative that we address these concerns with utmost seriousness and resolve.”

He stressed the need for comprehensive security planning before the elections, noting that security agencies must identify potential flashpoints and deploy preventive strategies to safeguard voters and electoral officials.

“The scale of insecurity across the various parts of Nigeria presents a threat to the conduct of the fair election,” he said.

He added that ongoing political activities, including party congresses and upcoming primaries under the Electoral Act 2026, had further heightened the need for adequate security arrangements.

The INEC chairman also referenced the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, alongside several pending by-elections nationwide, describing them as important tests for Nigeria’s democratic process.

He said the electoral body is doing everything to ensure that those in IDP camps are given the conducive environment to exercise their franchise, and also the people with disabilities.

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, pledged robust collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure peaceful and credible elections across the country.

 

In his response, Disu described the visit as timely, noting that it would enhance democratic stability in the country. He disclosed that the police had already activated measures to curb political violence and electoral malpractices.