INEC: Nigerian Air Force pledges airlift, surveillance support for electoral logistics

*Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, affirms the electoral body considers its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force a critical component of electoral success, especially as preparations hot up for forthcoming off-cycle elections, and 2027 General Elections

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said meticulous planning, efficient logistics and strong inter-agency collaboration remain central to the successful conduct of elections in Nigeria.

Amupitan stated this Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Commission’s Headquarters, in Abuja, FCT while receiving Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, who paid him a courtesy visit alongside Senior Officers of the Nigerian Air Force.

He also described the visit of Air Marshal Aneke and team to the Commission as timely and reassuring.

The INEC Chairman said the Commission considered its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force a critical component of electoral success, particularly as preparations intensify for forthcoming off-cycle elections and the 2027 General Elections.

Prof. Amupitan also said: “The election can only be as good as the logistics,” Prof. Amupitan declared. “Failure to plan is planning to fail. Nigerians are looking ahead to the next general election and they expect the best from us.”

The INEC Chief disclosed the Commission has already released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections, pursuant to the Electoral Act 2026.

He noted the Presidential and National Assembly elections have been scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly elections slated for February 16 next year.

Prof. Amupitan declared that the Commission is fully aware of the scale and complexity of conducting elections across Nigeria’s vast terrain and challenging locations.

Logistics remains one of the most decisive factors in electoral credibility in Nigeria, noted he.

The Chairman further stated: “We recognise the ongoing challenges we face, particularly in deploying personnel and materials to difficult terrains.

“That is why this collaboration is not just important, it is necessary.”

Amupitan appreciates Air Force for continuing support

The INEC Chairman as well-expressed appreciation for the Nigerian Air Force’s consistent support in previous elections, including the November 2025 Anambra governorship election, the February 2026 FCT Area Council election, and several by-elections conducted across the country.

He said: “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.

“Your efforts have played a crucial role in facilitating smooth electoral processes and reinforcing public confidence.”

The INEC Chief emphasised that credible elections must not only comply with the law but must also command legitimacy in the eyes of citizens.

He averred: “Our objective is clear, to strike the necessary link between legality and legitimacy. “And that link is strengthened when logistics are seamless and security is assured.”

To further institutionalise cooperation, the INEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission would establish a joint technical team to deepen operational planning and coordination with the Nigerian Air Force ahead of major electoral engagements.

Amupitan stated: “We are going to engage ahead of time. Early planning, detailed timelines, clarity on deployment sizes and locations,  all these are essential.

“If we work together proactively, we can address challenges before they arise.”

Earlier, in his remarks during the visit, Air Marshal Aneke had congratulated Prof. Amupitan on his appointment and commended the Commission’s reform initiatives, particularly measures aimed at enhancing inclusiveness and operational efficiency.

He stated: “Nigeria remains the largest democracy on the African continent, and the resilience of our democratic system continues to be sustained by strong institutions such as INEC.”

The Chief of Air Staff also pledged that the Nigerian Air Force remains “willing, able and ready” to provide airlift support for sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials, as well as personnel deployment to remote areas. He also disclosed that heavy and medium-lift aircraft are undergoing periodic maintenance to ensure full readiness.

Aside from logistics, he revealed that the Air Force would deploy Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, including drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), to enhance monitoring of the electoral environment.

He noted: “These assets can remain airborne for extended periods and assist in the early detection of potential security threats.”

Air Marshal Aneke further underscored the importance of joint simulation exercises, noting that rehearsal helps to identify potential operational gaps before the main event.

Amupitan and Aneke, therefore, reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration.

They expressed confidence that strengthened coordination between INEC and the Nigerian Air Force would contribute significantly to the conduct of secure, orderly and credible elections across the country.[ do_widget id=heateor_sss_sharing-2]