According to a report by Daily Trust on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has raised concerns about Nigeria’s deteriorating security environment, warning that it could seriously undermine the conduct of free, fair, and peaceful elections.
He said the growing insecurity across the country poses a major threat to the electoral process and must be urgently addressed.
Amupitan made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, as part of early engagements and preparations for the 2027 general elections. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between INEC and security agencies.
He stressed that credible elections are heavily dependent on a safe and stable environment, noting that rising incidents of violence and unrest in various parts of the country could disrupt voting and discourage citizens from participating in the electoral process.
According to him, protecting voters, election officials, and electoral materials before, during, and after elections is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action.
The INEC chairman also warned that continued electoral misconduct alongside security challenges could further erode public confidence in the democratic process.
He added that failure to take timely and strategic measures might lead to declining voter trust, reduced turnout, and questions over the legitimacy of future elections.
Amupitan further called for stronger preventive strategies to protect the integrity of elections, urging security agencies to intensify efforts in addressing threats capable of affecting polling activities, logistics, and safety nationwide.
Beyond security issues, he also emphasized the need for greater inclusiveness in the electoral system.
He noted that vulnerable populations, especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and persons with disabilities, should be fully accommodated to ensure they are not excluded from voting.
He said: “I also want to draw attention to several IDP camps that are scattered all over Nigeria. Let me say that it is their right to also vote, and they must not be disenfranchised….See More
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