The Independent National Electoral Commission has reaffirmed that the deployment of the Armed Forces during elections should only occur in exceptional circumstances, maintaining that the Nigeria Police Force remains the constitutionally recognised lead agency for election security under the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated this while delivering the keynote address at a seminar organised by the Army War College Nigeria in Abuja. The event examined election security, civil military relations, and the legal framework governing democratic elections in the country.
Represented by the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Al Hassan Umar, Amupitan praised the Armed Forces for their patriotism and dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He, however, stressed that the military’s role during elections should remain supportive, protective, and strictly within the limits of the Constitution.
Amupitan said, “As both a teacher and practitioner of law, permit me to begin by reaffirming the constitutional framework governing election security in Nigeria.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly delineates the responsibilities of institutions involved in the electoral process. INEC is constitutionally mandated to organise, undertake and supervise elections, while the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security under the framework of the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.”
He explained that military participation in election security was never intended to be a routine exercise and should only occur when security conditions require support for civil authorities.
“The role of the Armed Forces is exceptional rather than routine. Their deployment arises only where prevailing security conditions require military support in aid of the civil authorities and strictly in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.
“Accordingly, the Armed Forces perform a supportive rather than supervisory role, protective rather than political, and one firmly anchored in constitutional responsibility.”
The INEC chairman also restated the commission’s commitment to delivering elections that are credible, transparent, inclusive, technology driven, professionally managed, and fully compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
He added that the commission would continue to ensure adequate arrangements for persons with disabilities, elderly voters, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups.
“In this regard, we look forward to the continued support of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in ensuring that election day security is discharged with professionalism, restraint and respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every citizen.”
