The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, has declared that credible elections remain Nigeria’s strongest safeguard against instability, warning that any compromise in the electoral process poses a serious threat to national security.
Speaking at the 2nd Annual Lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Amupitan stressed that electoral integrity and national peace are inseparable.
“Credible elections are Nigeria’s strongest defence,” he said, adding that without a secure environment, democracy cannot thrive. “Without a secure environment, the sovereign will of the people is not just threatened, it is silenced.”
The INEC chairman noted that Nigeria is entering a critical phase ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the release of the electoral timetable. Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls will hold on February 6, 2027.
He warned of emerging threats to the electoral system, including social media manipulation, artificial intelligence-driven disinformation, and possible foreign interference, alongside existing security challenges such as insurgency and communal conflicts.
According to him, these risks could erode public trust if not effectively managed. “Public confidence in elections is key to national stability. When people trust the process, they are more likely to accept the outcome peacefully,” he said.
Highlighting measures taken by the commission, Amupitan pointed to the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency and curb electoral malpractice.
He also emphasised the role of security agencies, noting that election management depends heavily on coordinated efforts through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
“Security is both the first mile and the last mile of election logistics,” he stated, calling for deeper collaboration among stakeholders.
Amupitan further expressed concern over declining voter turnout, describing voter apathy as a major challenge to democracy and national security. He noted that participation dropped from 53 per cent in 2011 to 26 per cent in 2023.
“A vote cast is a brick laid in the wall of national security,” he added.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to credible elections, the chairman said the commission is strengthening voter registration, reviewing its regulations, and intensifying voter education ahead of 2027.
He, however, stressed that safeguarding the electoral process is a shared responsibility, urging political actors, security agencies, civil society organisations, and citizens to work collectively to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
As preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum, Amupitan’s message was unequivocal: credible elections are central to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and future.
