INEC Sounds Warning Against Routine Military Presence During Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restated its position against the routine deployment of military personnel during elections, saying the involvement of the armed forces should only occur in exceptional security situations.

According to Ireporter Online, the electoral body maintained that the Nigeria Police Force remains the primary agency responsible for securing elections, while the military should only provide support when security challenges exceed the ability of civilian authorities.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the position known on Thursday in Abuja through the commission’s Director of Legal Services, Al-Hassan Umar, while presenting a keynote address at a seminar organised by the Army War College.

Amupitan explained that Nigeria’s constitutional framework clearly defines the responsibilities of institutions involved in the electoral process, noting that INEC is responsible for organising and supervising elections, while election security is primarily handled by the police.

“As both a teacher and practitioner of the law, permit me to begin by reaffirming the constitutional framework governing election security in Nigeria. The Constitution clearly delineates the responsibilities of institutions involved in the electoral process,” he said.

The INEC chairman emphasised that the commission’s mandate does not include direct responsibility for election security but works alongside relevant security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

He noted that the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead security agency for election duties under the existing framework.

Amupitan stressed that the deployment of the armed forces during elections should not become a regular practice, adding that military involvement should only happen when there are serious security threats requiring additional support.

“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 civil authorities and strictly in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws,” he stated.

He further urged stakeholders to respect the constitutional roles of security institutions to ensure that elections are conducted in a manner that strengthens Nigeria’s democratic process.

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