The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of continued operational support to ensure the smooth conduct of elections across Nigeria.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, gave the assurance on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to providing airlift and surveillance capabilities to facilitate the timely deployment of electoral personnel and materials, particularly to remote and difficult terrains across the country.
Responding, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan, emphasised the importance of efficient logistics, proper planning and inter-agency collaboration in delivering credible elections.
According to him, the success of any election largely depends on effective logistics management.
“The election can only be as good as the logistics. Failure to plan is planning to fail. Nigerians are looking ahead to the next general election and they expect the best from us,” he said.
Amupitan disclosed that the Commission has already released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
He stated that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly elections will be held on February 16, 2027.
The INEC chairman noted that conducting elections in Nigeria presents significant logistical challenges due to the country’s vast geographical terrain, particularly in riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
“We recognise the ongoing challenges we face, especially in deploying personnel and materials to difficult terrains. That is why this collaboration is not just important, but necessary,” he said.
Amupitan commended the Nigerian Air Force for its support during previous electoral exercises, including the November 2025 Anambra Governorship Election, the February 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election, and several by-elections nationwide.
“At very short notice, you were able to deliver. Even when we encountered minor challenges, you stepped in promptly to ensure there were no logistical gaps,” he added.
He noted that seamless logistics and adequate security are crucial in strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
“Our objective is clear — to strike the necessary link between legality and legitimacy. That link is strengthened when logistics are seamless and security is assured,” he said.
Amupitan further revealed that the Commission plans to establish a joint technical team with the Nigerian Air Force to improve operational planning and coordination ahead of major electoral activities.
“We are going to engage ahead of time. Early planning, detailed timelines and clarity on deployment sizes and locations are essential. If we work together proactively, we can address challenges before they arise,” he said.
Earlier, Air Marshal Aneke congratulated Amupitan on his appointment and commended INEC’s reform initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and inclusiveness.
He described Nigeria as the largest democracy in Africa and noted that its democratic stability is sustained by strong institutions such as INEC.
The Air Force Chief reiterated that the Nigerian Air Force is ready to provide airlift support for the deployment of election materials and personnel nationwide.
He disclosed that heavy and medium-lift aircraft in the Air Force fleet are currently undergoing routine maintenance to ensure optimal operational readiness ahead of future electoral deployments.
Beyond logistics support, Aneke also said the Air Force would deploy Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, including drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), to monitor the electoral environment and detect potential security threats.
He further emphasised the need for joint simulation exercises between both institutions to identify and address possible operational gaps ahead of major elections.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, expressing confidence that strengthened coordination between INEC and the Nigerian Air Force will contribute to the conduct of secure, orderly and credible elections in Nigeria.
