INEC, Nigerian Air Force Intensify Partnership Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known while receiving the Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke and delegation during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Amupitan said the visit underscores the strong relationship between the electoral body and the Air Force, noting that logistics and security remain critical to the successful conduct of elections in Nigeria.

He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its consistent support to INEC, particularly in providing airlift services and security assistance during elections across the country.

According to him, the collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring that electoral materials and personnel are delivered promptly to remote and hard-to-reach areas, thereby enhancing the credibility of the electoral process.

The INEC chairman disclosed that the Commission has already released the timetable for the 2027 general elections following the passage of the Electoral Act 2026.

He explained that presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold on February 16, 2027.

Amupitan said preparations for the elections were already underway and assured that the Commission would share its detailed operational plans with the Air Force to ensure seamless coordination.

He also praised the Air Force for its support during recent electoral exercises, including the November 2025 Anambra State governorship election, the Federal Capital Territory area council elections, and several by-elections conducted across the country.

The INEC chairman stressed that efficient logistics remain a key factor in delivering credible elections.

“As we prepare for the upcoming elections, we acknowledge the challenges ahead. However, with the continued support of the Nigerian Air Force, we are confident of creating a secure and orderly environment that will enable Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights,” he said.

Amupitan further revealed that INEC would conduct off-cycle governorship elections later this year, beginning with Ekiti State in June and followed by Osun State on August 15.

He described the polls as important preparatory exercises ahead of the 2027 general elections and called for sustained collaboration with security agencies.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting INEC in delivering credible elections.

He said the Air Force considers its partnership with the electoral commission an important contribution to democratic governance and national stability.

Aneke assured that the Air Force would continue to provide airlift support for both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials, particularly in areas that are difficult to access by road.

He added that the service was working to ensure that its aircraft fleet is fully operational ahead of the election period, with some aircraft currently undergoing maintenance to enhance airlift capacity.

“We remain ready to provide support whenever required. Once there is a suitable landing area, the Air Force can deploy materials and personnel to the location,” he said.

The Air Chief also emphasized the importance of modern technology in strengthening election security.

According to him, the Air Force has developed capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance using drones and other aerial platforms, which could be deployed to monitor areas of concern during elections.

He further proposed joint preparatory exercises and simulation drills between the Air Force and INEC to test operational plans ahead of the polls.

Abubakar noted that such rehearsals would help identify potential challenges and improve coordination among agencies involved in the electoral process.

He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between INEC, the Nigerian Air Force, and other security agencies would further strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.