2027: INEC, Air Force parley to tackle logistics challenges

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have resolved to reinforced their collaboration to overcome perennial logistical challenges witnessed during electioneering in the country.

The organisations made the commitment on during a courtesy visit by Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, who led a delegation to the INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, at the INEC headquarters.

They noted that conducting elections is important and pledged enhanced support for the 2027 general polls and forthcoming off-cycle elections in parts of the country.

They also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the successes recorded in stabilising democracy and good governance in the country.

In his opening remarks, Air Marshal Aneke congratulated the INEC Chairman on his October 2025 appointment and praised recent reforms at the Commission.

“We have observed a renewed emphasis on institutional reforms, staff welfare, and measures aimed at enhancing the inclusiveness of the electoral process. In particular, the introduction of sign language interpreters at polling units represents a commendable step towards ensuring that persons with disabilities are able to participate more fully in the democratic process,” Aneke said.

He reaffirmed the NAF’s longstanding role in electoral support, particularly in logistics and security.

He said, “Over the years, the Nigerian Air Force has remained a dependable partner to INEC, particularly in providing security support as well as rapid airlift for the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across the country,” Aneke stated. “I wish to assure you that the Nigerian Air Force remains willing, able, and ready to continue providing such support whenever required.”

The CAS detailed preparations already underway, including aircraft maintenance and alternative deployments.

“At present, some of our C-130 aircraft are undergoing scheduled maintenance outside the country as part of efforts to sustain our strategic airlift capability. Nevertheless, the Service is making arrangements to deploy other available aircraft that can support the timely movement of electoral materials and personnel,” Aneke said.

He also highlighted the NAF’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and readiness for inter-agency coordination.

“The NAF is positioning some of its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to enhance situational awareness during the electoral period. Such capabilities could assist in the early detection of potential security threats and support timely responses by relevant agencies.

” The Air Force stands ready to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and others to protect critical electoral infrastructure.”

Responding, Prof. Amupitan commended the assurances as a major relief, acknowledging past successes and the need to deepen military logistics involvement.

“Your coming this morning is a big sign of relief to us in INEC,” the Chairman said. “I want to once again appreciate you and your team for the support you gave us recently during the Anambra election in November 2025, as well as the FCT election that took place just last month, as well as the by-elections in Ahoada and Kana, the State Constituency of River States, as well as the Kano Municipal. At very short notice, you were able to deliver,” Amupitan said.

He noted the centrality of logistics to electoral success and admitted that INEC has not fully leveraged military capabilities.

He said, “I’ve always said this, that an election can only be as good as its logistics. Given the fact that we have always encountered logistic problems, it has dawned on me that maybe INEC has not properly exploited this great potential we have in the military logistic.

“So thankfully my chairman of election operations is here. And so as part of this collaboration and partnership, we are going to set up a team so that we can work together ahead of time. Because the failure to plan is planning to fail.”

While the 2027 timetable slate presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly polls on February 16, 2027, the partnership is seen as vital as it is also expected to bear on the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, including in Ondo and Osun states in June and August 2026 respectively.