2027 Elections: INEC Raises Alarm Over ‘Security Trigger’ Phase, Seeks Police Clampdown on Electoral Risks

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified early preparations for the 2027 General Elections, warning that the ongoing political activities across the country signal a critical “security trigger” phase that demands urgent and coordinated intervention from security agencies.

Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made this known on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, where he formally sought stronger collaboration from the Nigeria Police Force to safeguard the electoral process.

Amupitan said security remains the most decisive factor in credible elections, describing it as the “first mile and last mile” of Nigeria’s democracy. He disclosed that the Commission has already activated its electoral timetable, with presidential and National Assembly elections slated for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

He noted that political party activities, including ward congresses and primaries under the Electoral Act 2026, have already begun, warning that such nationwide mobilisation increases security risks if not properly managed.

“The release of the election timetable and ongoing party activities mark a critical security trigger period that requires proactive coordination,” he said.

The INEC Chairman also pointed to off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, as well as several bye-elections, as key stress points in the electoral calendar that require heightened vigilance.

He raised concerns over recurring electoral threats such as vote buying, political violence, and malpractice, which he said continue to undermine public confidence and national stability.

According to him, addressing these challenges requires early risk mapping, intelligence sharing, and coordinated deployment of security personnel ahead of electoral activities.

“The scale of insecurity in parts of the country presents a clear threat to free and fair elections. We must therefore strengthen preventive security measures,” Amupitan stated.

He emphasized the role of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), urging a shift from reactive enforcement to proactive intelligence-led policing and inter-agency coordination.

Responding, the Inspector-General of Police assured INEC of the Nigeria Police Force’s readiness to secure the electoral process, stressing professionalism, neutrality, and strict compliance with the law.

He said the Force had already commenced nationwide threat assessments and intelligence mapping to identify potential flashpoints, including risks such as political violence, illegal arms proliferation, cyber manipulation, misinformation, and attacks on electoral infrastructure.

Disu pledged that security would be provided for electoral officials, materials, collation centres, and voters throughout the electoral cycle.

He warned that officers found engaging in partisan conduct would face strict disciplinary measures, adding that enforcement would be firm but impartial.

“We will ensure strict enforcement of electoral laws with professionalism and zero tolerance for misconduct,” the IGP said.

He also called for early dissemination of the election timetable to support logistics planning, personnel training, and joint security coordination, while confirming plans for stakeholder engagement, peace accords, and intensive training for officers assigned to election duties.

Both institutions reaffirmed commitment to a coordinated security framework aimed at ensuring peaceful, credible, and transparent elections in 2027.