The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has raised concerns that worsening insecurity across Nigeria could seriously affect preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He made the warning on Wednesday, May 6, in Abuja during a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, as discussions intensified around electoral security planning.
Amupitan said Nigeria’s electoral process has continued to face challenges such as violence, vote trading, and electoral malpractice, warning that these issues weaken public trust and threaten national stability.
“In Nigeria, our electoral system has placed numerous challenges over the years, ranging from malpractices to threats of violence, vote trading that undermine the confidence of the electorates.
“These challenges not only affect the outcome of our elections, but also pose significant risks to our national security.
“Thus, it is imperative that we address these concerns with utmost seriousness and resolve. In this regard, I would like to emphasise the importance of the proactive security measures.
“The scale of insecurity across the various parts of Nigeria presents a threat to the conduct of the fair election.
“It is essential that we carry out total security risk analysis ahead of the election and this will enable us to identify potential flashpoints and deploy appropriate strategies to mitigate risks, thereby safeguarding voters, electoral officials and the integrity of the electoral process.”
He stressed the importance of close collaboration between INEC and security agencies, particularly the police, ahead of the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, and the governorship and state assembly elections slated for February 6, 2027.
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The INEC chairman also pointed to ongoing political activities, including party congresses, primaries under the Electoral Act 2026, and upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as factors that make early security planning essential.
In response, the Inspector-General of Police assured that the Nigeria Police Force would adopt intelligence-driven strategies and preventive policing to secure the electoral process.
He said nationwide threat assessments and intelligence mapping were already underway, with cooperation among security agencies being strengthened.
The police chief also promised firm enforcement of electoral laws, warning that those involved in violence, vote buying, intimidation, or destruction of electoral materials would be arrested and prosecuted.
“I assure you that the police will enforce electoral laws firmly and professionally. I want to repeat that again. We will ensure that we enforce electoral laws firmly and we do it professionally.
“I want to emphasise that individuals involved in ballot matching, vote buying, voter intimidation, destruction of electoral materials, violent destruction of polls or attack on electoral officials will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws.”