Credible Elections Are Nigeria’s Strongest Defence – INEC
Torkwase Nyiekaa
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, has declared that “credible elections are Nigeria’s strongest defence,” warning that any compromise in the electoral process poses a direct threat to national security and stability.
Amupitan made this assertion while speaking at the 2nd Annual Lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, where he emphasised the critical link between electoral integrity and national peace.
According to him, elections and security are not separate concerns but deeply interconnected elements of governance. He explained that while legal frameworks such as the Constitution and the Electoral Act provide the structure for democracy, it is a secure environment that allows the will of the people to be freely expressed.
“Without a secure environment, the sovereign will of the people is not just threatened, it is silenced,” he said.
The INEC Chairman noted that the country is approaching a crucial period ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the release of the official timetable. The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
He warned that Nigeria faces evolving threats to its electoral process, including social media manipulation, artificial intelligence-driven disinformation, and foreign interference. These challenges, when combined with existing security concerns such as insurgency and communal conflicts, risk deepening public distrust in the democratic system.
Amupitan stressed that public trust in elections is essential for national stability, noting that credible processes encourage citizens to accept election outcomes peacefully, thereby reducing the likelihood of unrest.
Highlighting INEC’s preparedness, he pointed to the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as key measures to safeguard transparency and prevent electoral fraud.
He also underscored the importance of coordinated security efforts through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), describing security as central to the success of election logistics.
“Security is both the first mile and the last mile of election logistics,” he said, calling for stronger synergy among security agencies.
The INEC Chairman further raised concerns over declining voter turnout, describing voter apathy as both a democratic and security challenge. He noted that participation dropped from 53 percent in 2011 to 26 percent in 2023, warning that low turnout undermines legitimacy and creates room for destabilising narratives.
“A vote cast is a brick laid in the wall of national security,” he added.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to the 2027 elections, Amupitan said the Commission is strengthening voter registration, reviewing its regulations, and deepening voter education efforts to ensure a credible process.
He, however, stressed that achieving credible elections requires collective action, urging security agencies, civil society, political actors, and citizens to work together to protect the integrity of the electoral system.
As Nigeria prepares for the next electoral cycle, his message remains clear: “credible elections are Nigeria’s strongest defence.”