The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over the growing insecurity in parts of the country, warning that it could pose a serious challenge to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, issued the warning on Wednesday in Owerri, Imo State, during the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, which centred on developing strategies for effective security management during elections.
Amupitan cautioned that the security situation in some parts of the country could jeopardise the successful conduct of the January and February 2027 elections if urgent measures were not taken.
He said: “The scale of insecurity across various parts of the country presents a threat to the conduct of free and fair elections. It is essential that we carry out thorough security risk analyses ahead of the elections.”
The INEC chairman identified insecurity, electoral violence, vote-buying and other electoral irregularities as some of the key issues that require attention ahead of the polls.
According to him, the challenges confronting the electoral process “not only affect the outcome of our elections but also pose significant risks to our national security.”
He called on security agencies to take proactive steps, undertake detailed risk assessments and identify areas that could become flashpoints before the elections.
Amupitan said INEC would continue to collaborate with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure adequate protection for voters, election officials and sensitive electoral materials throughout the polls.
He also highlighted the need for stronger coordination among security agencies to enable them to respond effectively to emerging security threats before, during and after the elections.
The INEC chairman maintained that the successful conduct of the 2027 elections would depend largely on adequate preparation and cooperation among all stakeholders, especially security agencies.
The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on January 16, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6.
Amupitan’s warning comes as INEC and security agencies intensify preparations for the elections, with insecurity and vote-buying identified among the major challenges that could affect the electoral process.
