INEC to ANNISS Alumni: Credible elections key to national security

*Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, tells visiting members of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies, that peaceful and transparent elections as the foundation for Nigeria’s stability and democratic consolidation

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has underscored the critical link between credible elections and national security.

ConsumerConnect reports Prof. Amupitan described peaceful and transparent elections as the foundation for Nigeria’s stability and democratic consolidation.

He made the assertion Monday, March 16, 2026,   while receiving a delegation of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (ANNISS), led by its President, Barr. Mike Ejiofor, FSI, at the Commission’s Headquarters, in Abuja, FCT.

The electoral body stated the visit was in preparation for the Association’s Second Annual Lecture with the theme: “Credible Elections and National Security in Nigeria”.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman of INEC described the theme as timely and significant.

He equally noted that the integrity of elections has direct implications for national peace and security.

“Credible elections are the bedrock of our democracy and their integrity directly impacts on our national security.

“For us in INEC, a free, fair and credible election cannot happen if it is not peaceful.

“It is, therefore, imperative that security agencies, policy makers and stakeholders work in harmony to uphold transparency, fairness and security during every electoral cycle,” said he.

Amupitan applauded ANNISS for its role in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through the training of Senior Officers across the Armed Forces, intelligence and regulatory agencies in the West African country.

He further explained: “As Nigeria continues to deepen its democratic processes, ensuring credible elections remains our foremost priority.

“We recognise that a secure environment is foundational for the success of our electoral processes and ultimately for Nigeria’s progress.”

Amupitan reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to collaboration with security stakeholders.

He as well emphasised that inter-agency synergy remains indispensable to the successful conduct of elections.

The Chairman declared: “INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections, leveraging innovative approaches and strengthening collective collaborations.”

Earlier in his remarks during the visit, Barr. Mike Ejiofor, President of ANNISS, emphasised the importance of closer institutional engagement between the electoral body and security professionals, particularly as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of 2027 General Elections.

Barr. Ejiofor said: “The course at the Institute is designed for top Management Staff and addresses critical issues, including the security of the electoral process.

“Given what is expected of INEC as we approach 2027, the Commission should not be left out of such strategic engagements.”

He congratulated the INEC Chairman on his appointment, describing the responsibility of overseeing elections in a country of about 230 million people as a weighty national assignment.

Ejiofor stated: “No matter what we do, there may be hitches.

“But we pray for a seamless process in 2027. That is why this conversation on credible elections and national security is essential.”

In regard to the forthcoming Annual Lecture, he noted the event would convene security experts, civil society actors, and electoral stakeholders to explore practical measures for strengthening electoral integrity.

He further announced that

Mike Igini, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), would serve as the Guest Speaker at the event.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both institutions to sustained dialogue and cooperation in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy through credible and secure elections, stated INEC.

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