Opposition parties have pushed back strongly against suggestions that the military could play a bigger role in securing the 2027 general elections, even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) raised fresh concerns over rising insecurity across the country.
The warning came from INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, who said the worsening security situation could undermine preparations for credible elections if not urgently addressed.
Speaking during a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja, Amupitan said Nigeria’s electoral process is already under pressure from violence, malpractice and vote-buying, adding that insecurity now poses an even bigger threat.
He called for detailed security risk assessments ahead of the polls, warning that electoral flashpoints must be identified early to protect voters, election officials and the integrity of the process.
With presidential and governorship elections scheduled for early 2027, the INEC boss stressed the need for closer coordination with security agencies, especially the police, who traditionally take the lead in election duty.
He also raised concern over Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, insisting that displaced citizens and persons with disabilities must not be left out of the voting process.
“We must ensure they are not disenfranchised,” he said, urging security agencies to provide special protection and access for vulnerable groups.
The Inspector-General of Police assured INEC of a more intelligence-driven approach, saying security agencies have already begun nationwide threat mapping ahead of the elections.
He warned that anyone involved in ballot snatching, voter intimidation or attacks on election officials would be arrested and prosecuted.
Despite these assurances, political reactions quickly turned heated over the role of the military in elections.
Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, argued that election security should remain strictly a civilian responsibility handled by the police and other internal security agencies.
He warned that involving soldiers could deepen public mistrust and politicise the process, recalling past elections where security deployment became controversial.
Labour Party spokesperson Ken Asogwa also rejected the idea, saying soldiers are trained for warfare, not election management.
“Elections are civic exercises. They should not require military presence at polling units,” he said, insisting that the police and civil defence are better suited for the job.
From the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) camp, the Tanimu Turaki-led interim leadership said the bigger problem is not insecurity, but INEC’s credibility.
Its spokesman, Ini Ememobong, argued that trust in the electoral commission remains fragile, urging INEC to focus on neutrality and transparency instead of pushing security narratives.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) also weighed in, warning that insecurity must be tackled decisively within the next few months if the country hopes to hold credible elections in 2027.
Across the board, however, opposition voices agreed on one point: deploying soldiers to polling units would be a step in the wrong direction, with many insisting that such a move could heighten tension rather than improve security.
Meanwhile, some political parties are already adjusting their activities due to security concerns, including the relocation of the Social Democratic Party’s national convention from Abuja to Bauchi State.
As preparations for 2027 slowly gather pace, the debate highlights a familiar tension in Nigeria’s electoral history how to secure elections without compromising their civilian character.
