The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash O. Amupitan, has emphasized that security and national stability are essential to ensuring credible elections in Nigeria.
He noted that credible elections remain a key priority as the country continues to strengthen its democratic process.
Speaking while receiving a delegation from the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Amupitan described the visit as timely, highlighting the strong connection between national security and the credibility of elections.
He hailed AANISS for its role in building the capacity of senior security officers and strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, saying that the integrity of elections is directly connected to national stability and security.
The INEC chairman further assured the association of the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections through innovative approaches and sustained collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders.
Mike Ejiofor, the President of AANISS, who led the delegation explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the electoral body and Nigeria’s security institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ejiofor, a Fellow of the National Institute for Security Studies (FSI), led members of the association’s executive committee, comprises senior officers from the Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, as well as regulatory institutions who have completed the prestigious course at the National Institute for Security Studies.
He explained that the association brings together strategic-level security professionals whose expertise is crucial to maintaining national stability, particularly during electoral cycles, stressing that participation in the Institute’s programme, designed for top management personnel will enhance the Commission’s understanding of the security dynamics surrounding electoral processes.
He explained, “With the enormous expectations placed on INEC as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections, it is important that the Commission is represented in the course to strengthen strategic coordination on electoral security.”
He congratulated INEC chairman Amupitan on his appointment, noting that overseeing Nigeria’s electoral process comes with enormous responsibility given the country’s population of over 200 million people.
