The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called on security agencies, civil society, and all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure the success of forthcoming elections.
At the Second Annual Lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) on Thursday in Abuja, Amupitan noted that credible polls were indispensable for national security, as they foster public trust in governance that is crucial for national security.
According to him, when citizens believe in a transparent and reliable electoral system, they are more likely to accept outcomes, reducing tensions that could otherwise lead to unrest.
The INEC boss stressed that the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election on 6 June and the Osun State election on 18 August would be a test of Nigeria’s electoral and security preparedness.
‘Success depends on total synergy among the Nigeria Police, the civil defence, and all other security agencies.
‘Security is both the first mile and the last mile of election logistics. Without proactive intelligence coordination and rigorous deployment, credible elections remain a distant goal’, he said.
On voter participation, Amupitan noted the dangers of low turnout, citing recent trends in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to him, voter apathy is not just a civic concern, it is a security risk. Non-participation creates a vacuum that non-state actors can exploit to delegitimize governance, he explained.
‘Every vote cast is a bricklayer in the world of national security’, he said.
The INEC chairman urged alumni and experts present to act as ‘strategic movers of democracy’ by helping to refine threat assessments and security deployment models.
According to him, strict adherence to the Electoral Act ‘is our strongest shield against post-election unrest and we must ensure that security operations are precise, preventive, and effective’.
Delivering the lecture titled, “Credible Elections and National Security in Nigeria”, a former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini, offered a complementary perspective, highlighting the constitutional and legal framework that underpins credible elections.
According to him, INEC operates as an independent body, saying the procedures governing elections are not subject to arbitrary control, and political parties are the essential organs of democracy.
He emphasised the role of law enforcement agencies in enabling a peaceful electoral environment, adding that security, judicial, and administrative bodies must facilitate elections, ensuring that public institutions, from stadium to civic centres and media facilities, remain accessible to all stakeholders.
‘Their responsibility is to allow Nigerians to exercise their franchise freely and safely’, he said.
Describing democracy as an orchestra, Igini said that its harmony depended on the unique contributions of every participant.
According to him, laws, processes, and integrity must work together to ensure the will of the people is respected.
He said that elections must be conclusive, final, and leave a lasting democratic legacy for future generations.
AANISS President, Mike Ejiofor, emphasised the critical nexus between credible elections and national security.
He said that the integrity of the nation’s electoral process was not just a political issue but a fundamental security imperative.
According to him, credible elections confer legitimacy, while flawed elections breed discontent, instability, and, in some cases, violence.
Ejiofor lauded the presence of lawmakers, security officials, politicians, and electoral management figures at the lecture, noting that their participation demonstrates a shared commitment to Nigeria’s peace and progress.
He said: ‘We are here today not merely as spectators, but as concerned stakeholders in the future of our great nation.
“Let us listen attentively, engage actively, and leave here inspired to take action in our spheres of influence’.
The lecture brought together experts from law, the academia, and security to deliberate on how credible elections, active civic engagement, and robust security measures can strengthen democracy and national stability.
Speakers emphasised that free, fair, and transparent elections are critical not only for governance but also for public trust, economic development, and Nigeria’s international reputation.
