The Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has emphasised that credible elections are vital for safeguarding Nigeria’s national security and strengthening democratic governance.
Amupitan made the remarks on Monday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (ANNISS), led by its President, Mike Ejiofor.
The visit was part of preparations for the association’s Second Annual Lecture titled “Credible Elections and National Security in Nigeria.”
Welcoming the delegation, Amupitan described the theme of the lecture as timely and important, noting that the credibility of elections directly affects peace and stability in the country.
“Credible elections are the bedrock of our democracy and their integrity directly impacts on our national security,” he said.
He stressed that free, fair, and credible elections cannot occur without peace, adding that it is imperative for security agencies, policymakers, and stakeholders to work together to ensure transparency, fairness, and security during every electoral cycle.
Amupitan also commended ANNISS for its contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through the training of senior officers across the armed forces, intelligence community, and regulatory agencies.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to collaborating with security institutions to guarantee successful electoral processes, saying, “INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections, leveraging innovative approaches and strengthening collective collaborations.”
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Earlier, Ejiofor highlighted the need for stronger engagement between INEC and security professionals, particularly in preparation for the 2027 Nigerian general election.
“The course at the Institute is designed for top management staff and addresses critical issues, including the security of the electoral process.
Given what is expected of INEC as we approach 2027, the Commission should not be left out of such strategic engagements,” he said.
Ejiofor also congratulated Amupitan on his appointment, noting the enormous responsibility of overseeing elections in a country with over 200 million people.
He added that the forthcoming annual lecture will bring together security experts, civil society actors, and electoral stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for strengthening electoral integrity.
Former Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini will serve as the guest speaker.
Both INEC and ANNISS reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and collaboration aimed at protecting Nigeria’s democracy through credible and secure elections.