The Nigerian Air Force and INEC have pledged to collaborate on the security and transportation of election materials for the 2027 general election to ensure electoral integrity and national stability.

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have pledged to have a deeper collaboration on the security and transportation of the election materials for the country to have a credible polling system.

The two institutions pledged during the courtesy visits of the Chief of the Air Staff, Hasan Bala Abubakar, and his delegation to the headquarters of the electoral commission in Abuja today to give the assurance of providing the needed support to achieve electoral integrity in 2027.

Emphasising the longstanding relationship and partnership between NAF and INEC, Mr Abubakar described the importance of upholding Nigeria’s democratic process and national stability. He stated that the Air Force is working to ensure that the electoral system in the country is not compromised.

He said: “The relationship between the Nigerian Air Force and INEC has long been anchored on our shared commitment to national stability, professionalism, and the rule of law. The Nigerian Air Force considers its partnership with the Commission as an important contribution to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

“This engagement, therefore, provides an opportunity to further deepen the existing collaboration between both institutions and reaffirm our collective resolve to support the successful conduct of elections across the country.

“The successful conduct of elections is closely tied to effective security arrangements and efficient logistics management. Over the years, the Nigerian Air Force has remained a dependable partner to INEC, particularly in providing security support as well as rapid airlift for the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across the country”, he said.

Speaking to the readiness of some of the Force’s tools, the Marshal noted to that even though some of the NAF C-130 aircraft are currently undergoing scheduled maintenance abroad, the force would deploy alternative aircraft to guarantee uninterrupted movement of election materials and personnel.

The Air Chief further stated that apart from transportation, the Air Force will also deploy Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, which will enhance situational awareness and support early detection of potential security threats during the electoral period.

He stated that in order to safeguard INEC facilities, collation centres, and strategic logistics hubs, the NAF will work closely with other security agencies, such as the Nigeria Police Force.

The Air Chief praised the professionalism and apolitical nature of the Air Force, noting that its air power serves not just as a physical means of transport but also as a psychological assurance of election integrity.

“I wish to assure you that the Nigerian Air Force remains willing, able, and ready to continue providing such support whenever required. At present, some of our C-130 aircraft are undergoing scheduled maintenance outside the country as part of efforts to sustain our strategic airlift capability. Nevertheless, the Service is making arrangements to deploy other available aircraft that can support the timely movement of electoral materials and personnel. We are ready to deploy our capabilities wherever and whenever needed to safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.

Addressing the delegates of the Air Force, INEC chairman Professor Joash Amupitan addressed the importance and critical role of logistics and security in ensuring the 2027 general elections, pledging a deeper working relationship with the Nigerian Air Force to have credible and unbiased elections.

Professor Joash Amupitan, the chairman of INEC, spoke to the Air Force delegate and stressed the significance of logistics and security in guaranteeing a credible and impartial general election in 2027. He also pledged to work more closely with the Nigerian Air Force.

“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.

“An election can only be as good as its logistics. If we can deploy materials and personnel on time across the country, that would go a long way in guaranteeing the credibility of the process,” he said.

The INEC chairman also revealed that the Commission would soon conduct off-cycle governorship elections, beginning with the election in Ekiti State in June, followed by that of Osun State scheduled for August 15.

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