INEC Engages Air Force to Airlift 2027 Election Materials

INEC Engages Air Force to Airlift 2027 Election Materials

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have agreed to strengthen collaboration on the airlifting of electoral materials ahead of the 2027 general elections, a move aimed at addressing longstanding logistical challenges in the conduct of elections across the country.

The discussions took place on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to the INEC Chairman, Prof Josh Amupitan, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Welcoming the Air Chief, Prof Amupitan expressed appreciation for the Nigerian Air Force’s support in previous elections, noting that their intervention had been critical to the smooth distribution of sensitive electoral materials.

“I want to say that your presence this morning is a big sign of belief to us in INEC,” Amupitan said. “The Air Force has played a crucial role in ensuring logistics and security before and during our elections. Your efforts have reinforced our collective commitment to safeguarding democracy.”

Amupitan emphasized that the commission had encountered recurring challenges with the movement of electoral materials, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, and expressed optimism that collaboration with the NAF could help mitigate these issues.

“An election can only be as good as its logistics. We are pleased to explore how we can fully leverage the Air Force’s capabilities to ensure timely deployment of electoral materials and personnel, even under challenging circumstances,” he said.

INEC Chairman also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its contributions during previous polls, including the Anambra gubernatorial election in November 2025 and the FCT and other by-elections, noting the NAF’s role in preventing any significant losses of materials.

In his remarks, Air Marshal Aneke congratulated Prof Amupitan on his appointment as INEC chairman and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting the electoral process.

“The relationship between the Nigerian Air Force and INEC has long been anchored on our shared commitment to national stability, professionalism, and the rule of law,” Aneke said. “We are ready to provide airlift support for the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials and enhance situational awareness through our Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities.”

The Air Chief assured that the NAF would deploy available aircraft even as some of their C-130 fleet undergoes scheduled maintenance, and that the Air Force is prepared to coordinate with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to protect INEC facilities, collation centres, and key logistics hubs.

Aneke further commended INEC’s initiatives under Amupitan’s leadership, including the introduction of sign language interpreters at polling units, describing them as steps that promote inclusivity and transparency in the electoral process.

Both leaders agreed to establish a joint team to plan ahead for the logistics and security of the 2027 elections, stressing that proactive planning is essential to ensuring a credible and credible electoral process.