The Independent National Electoral Commission has reiterated that the deployment of the Armed Forces during elections should remain an exceptional measure, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force is the constitutionally designated lead agency for election security under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known while delivering a keynote address at a seminar organised by the Army War College Nigeria in Abuja. The seminar focused on election security, civil-military relations and the legal framework guiding the conduct of democratic elections in Nigeria.

Represented by the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Al-Hassan Umar, Prof. Amupitan commended the Armed Forces for their patriotism and commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity but maintained that their role during elections should be supportive, protective and strictly within constitutional limits.

Prof. 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.”

According to him, military involvement in election security is not intended to be routine but is only justified where prevailing security conditions require military assistance to 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.”

INEC seeks credible, inclusive elections

Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting elections that are transparent, inclusive, technologically driven, professionally administered and fully compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

He said the commission would continue to prioritise inclusivity by making adequate provisions for persons with disabilities, the elderly, 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.