By Gabriel Ameh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Nigeria’s security agencies have stepped up coordination to safeguard the integrity of upcoming elections, emphasizing vigilance, adequate manpower, and seamless inter-agency collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Director of Internal Security, Hassan Abdullahi, commended INEC and security operatives for the peaceful conduct of the recent Anambra election. He described the outcome as a reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to delivering free, credible, and violence-free polls across the country.
Abdullahi noted that early security planning is already underway for the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026, and the Osun State governorship election on August 8, 2026. He stressed that elections cannot be considered credible if citizens feel unsafe to participate in the democratic process.
He added that the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency for election security, is mobilising personnel and resources in collaboration with other security agencies to secure the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, as well as bye-elections in Kano and Rivers states.
According to him, security operatives will be strategically deployed to polling units and identified flashpoints, while political thugs and vote buyers will be tracked, restrained, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
INEC and security stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that Nigerians can vote in a peaceful and secure environment as the nation gradually enters another election cycle.
