Opposition rejects military role after INEC warns of insecurity ahead of 2027 elections

Fresh concerns have emerged over the credibility and security of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections following warnings by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, that worsening insecurity across parts of the country could threaten the conduct of free, fair and credible polls.

The development has, however, sparked sharp reactions from opposition parties, which rejected any suggestion of deploying military personnel for election duties, insisting that civil security agencies should remain responsible for electoral security operations.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), raised the alarm during a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, in Abuja, where he stressed that rising violence, electoral threats and insecurity posed serious dangers to democratic stability in the country.

Amupitan noted that Nigeria’s electoral process had continued to face challenges ranging from electoral malpractice and vote-buying to politically motivated violence capable of undermining public confidence in democracy.

According to him, the growing scale of insecurity nationwide makes comprehensive security planning ahead of the 2027 elections imperative.

He said proactive security measures, intelligence gathering and detailed risk assessments would be necessary to identify flashpoints and protect voters, electoral officials and election materials.

The INEC Chairman also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the electoral body and security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which is constitutionally responsible for leading election security operations.

He further referenced ongoing political activities, including party congresses, primaries under the Electoral Act 2026 and preparations for off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, describing them as additional pressure points requiring adequate security coordination.

Amupitan also drew attention to the need to protect the voting rights of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and persons living with disabilities.

He maintained that displaced citizens across various IDP camps in the country must not be disenfranchised during the elections.

Responding, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, assured Nigerians that the police had already commenced intelligence-based threat assessments and security mapping ahead of the elections.

Disu pledged that the police would enforce electoral laws professionally and prosecute anyone involved in ballot snatching, voter intimidation, destruction of electoral materials and attacks on election officials.

He added that special arrangements were also being made for IDPs and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive participation in the electoral process.

Despite the assurances, opposition political parties expressed reservations over any possibility of military deployment during the elections.

National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, argued that election security should remain strictly within the responsibility of the police and other civil agencies.

Tanko warned against using insecurity as a pretext to manipulate or delay the electoral process, recalling similar concerns raised during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He also questioned the level of preparedness and capacity of existing security institutions to effectively address insecurity ahead of the polls.

Similarly, Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, described elections as civic exercises that should not require military involvement.

He maintained that soldiers are trained for warfare and territorial defence, not civilian electoral management, insisting that agencies such as the police and civil defence corps were better suited for election duties.

The Peoples Democratic Party Interim National Working Committee, led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), also argued that internal credibility issues within INEC posed a greater threat to credible elections than insecurity itself.

Speaking through the committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP urged the electoral commission to focus on neutrality, transparency and public trust rather than security matters.

The party further cautioned against the deployment of soldiers during elections, citing past experiences where military involvement allegedly heightened tension and controversy.

Also reacting, the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, called on the Federal Government to urgently improve the nation’s security situation before the 2027 elections.

NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, stated that the remaining months before the polls provided sufficient time for authorities to begin reversing the country’s security challenges.

Meanwhile, the growing insecurity has already begun affecting political activities across the country.

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, announced the relocation of its May 9 national convention from Abuja to Bauchi State, citing security and logistical concerns.

SDP National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, explained that the party was unable to secure a suitable venue in Abuja and commended the Bauchi State Government for providing an alternative location.

Gombe disclosed that the party had constituted several committees, including screening, electoral and convention committees, to ensure a transparent and credible exercise.

Chairman of the SDP Screening Committee, retired Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Lima, also emphasised the need for integrity, fairness and strict compliance with party guidelines throughout the screening process.

Source: Punch