The head of Nigeria’s electoral body has warned that national security is inextricably linked to the credibility of the ballot box. Professor Joash Amupitan SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said on Monday that peaceful and transparent elections are the “bedrock” of the country’s stability. Speaking at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, Prof. Amupitan told a delegation of security alumni that the integrity of the 2027 general elections would have a direct impact on national peace.
Security and the vote
The meeting with the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (ANNISS) comes as Nigeria begins the long journey toward its next major polls. Prof. Amupitan, a legal expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria who took office in late 2025, argued that a “secure environment” is the primary requirement for a successful vote.”For us in INEC, a free, fair, and credible election cannot happen if it is not peaceful,” the Chairman said. He called for “inter-agency synergy,” urging security forces and policymakers to work in harmony to protect the electoral cycle from violence and interference.
Eyeing 2027
The visit was a precursor to a major annual lecture themed “Credible Elections and National Security in Nigeria,” intended to gather experts to troubleshoot potential risks before the 2027 vote. Barrister Mike Ejiofor, President of ANNISS, noted that while logistical “hitches” are almost inevitable in a country of over 200 million people, strategic planning could ensure a “seamless process.”The upcoming lecture will feature prominent figures, including former Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini, as a guest speaker.
A New Era for INEC
Prof. Amupitan’s remarks reflect a shift in focus toward “democratic consolidation” following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu. Having already overseen a timetable release in early 2026, the Chairman is under pressure to restore public confidence in the commission’s use of technology and its neutrality. He reaffirmed that INEC would continue to leverage “innovative approaches” to ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the final results.
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