Fresh concerns over the credibility of the 2027 general elections emerged on Wednesday after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) warned that worsening insecurity across the country could threaten the conduct of free, fair and credible polls.
The warning has, however, sparked criticism from opposition parties, which rejected any move to deploy military personnel for election duties, insisting that election security should remain the responsibility of civil authorities, particularly the police and other security agencies.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), raised the alarm during a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, in Abuja. He stressed that persistent violence, electoral malpractice and security threats could undermine democratic stability if not properly addressed.
According to him, insecurity across several parts of the country poses a major challenge to the successful conduct of the elections scheduled for January 16 and February 6, 2027.
“In Nigeria, our electoral system has faced numerous challenges over the years, ranging from malpractices to threats of violence and vote trading that undermine the confidence of the electorate,” Amupitan said.
“These challenges not only affect the outcome of our elections, but also pose significant risks to our national security. It is imperative that we address these concerns with utmost seriousness.”
He called for comprehensive security risk assessments ahead of the elections to identify flashpoints and deploy strategies capable of protecting voters, electoral officials and election materials.
Amupitan also highlighted the need for collaboration between INEC and security agencies as political activities intensify ahead of the polls, including party congresses, primaries and off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
The INEC chairman further urged security agencies to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and persons with disabilities are not disenfranchised during the elections.
“I also want to draw attention to several IDP camps scattered all over Nigeria. It is their right to vote, and they must not be disenfranchised,” he said.
Responding, the Inspector-General of Police assured Nigerians that the force had already begun intelligence gathering and nationwide threat assessments to secure the electoral process.
Disu said the police would adopt preventive policing measures, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and ensure the protection of electoral personnel and infrastructure.
“We will enforce electoral laws firmly and professionally,” he stated.
“Individuals involved in ballot snatching, vote buying, voter intimidation, destruction of electoral materials or attacks on electoral officials will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
He added that special security plans had also been designed for IDPs and persons living with disabilities.
Despite the assurances, opposition parties expressed fears that deploying soldiers for election duties could increase tension and compromise public confidence in the electoral process.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, argued that election security should be handled by the police and other civil agencies rather than the military.
He questioned whether the government could use insecurity as a reason to manipulate or delay the election process.
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“We know this government is seriously worried that Peter Obi is very likely to be on the ballot. So, we have to be careful of possible traps being laid for the opposition,” Tanko alleged.
Similarly, Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, described the idea of soldiers at polling units as inappropriate for a democratic process.
“Soldiers are trained to fight wars and defend territorial integrity, not to supervise civic exercises like elections,” he said.
He maintained that agencies such as the police and civil defence corps were better suited for election-related duties.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Interim National Working Committee also argued that INEC’s neutrality posed a greater threat to credible elections than insecurity.
PDP spokesman, Ini Ememobong, urged the electoral body to focus on transparency, fairness and public trust rather than advocating military involvement.
“Calls for the deployment of military personnel ahead of elections should not be encouraged, considering past experiences where such actions heightened tension,” he said.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) also warned against using soldiers during elections, urging the Federal Government to urgently improve the country’s security situation before 2027.
NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said the government still had enough time to address insecurity if it was genuinely committed to conducting peaceful elections.
Meanwhile, insecurity is already 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 due to logistical and security concerns.
SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said the decision followed difficulties in securing a suitable venue in Abuja.
He noted that committees had already been constituted to oversee screening, electoral and convention processes to ensure a credible exercise.
Chairman of the party’s Screening Committee, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Lima (retd.), urged members to carry out their duties with integrity and fairness as preparations for the convention continue.
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