The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that anyone who threatens or attacks its personnel during the 2027 general elections will face the full weight of the law, as it steps up security preparations ahead of the polls.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, gave the warning on Tuesday, October 27, during the commission’s interactive meeting with staff and readiness assessment for the 2027 elections in Gombe, organised for the North-East zone.
He disclosed that joint operations led by the Department of State Services (DSS) had uncovered an alleged plot by criminal kingpins to target ad hoc electoral workers and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
According to Amupitan, the threat had been neutralised, while the principal suspects were arrested and were undergoing prosecution.
READ ALSO: 2027: INEC Threatens Jail Term For Vote Tampering
“Anyone who attempts to threaten, intimidate, or harm our ad hoc staff, NYSC members, or permanent personnel will be hunted down and brought to justice under the full weight of the law,” he warned.
The INEC chairman said the commission was strengthening its partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, DSS, Armed Forces and other relevant agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
He explained that the commission was adopting an intelligence-led security strategy to identify and address potential threats before elections, rather than relying primarily on responses to incidents on election day.
Amupitan also announced plans to convene a national election security conference in Abuja to finalise arrangements for locations considered vulnerable to electoral violence.