The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has raised concerns that ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria pose a serious threat to the credibility, inclusiveness and overall success of future elections in the country.
He made this known during a high-level stakeholder engagement session focused on election preparedness, inter-agency coordination and the strengthening of security measures ahead of upcoming electoral activities. The meeting brought together representatives from security agencies, political stakeholders and electoral officials to review emerging challenges affecting the electoral environment.
Prof. Amupitan stated that the foundation of any democratic election rests on the ability of citizens to participate freely and safely. According to him, when voters are exposed to fear, violence or displacement, the credibility of the entire electoral process is weakened, regardless of how well other aspects of election administration are managed.
He explained that insecurity remains one of the most significant barriers to voter participation in several regions of the country. In communities affected by insurgency, banditry, communal clashes or other forms of violence, citizens often struggle to access polling units or choose to stay away entirely due to safety concerns. This, he noted, directly affects voter turnout and undermines the principle of equal representation.
The INEC chairman further observed that insecurity does not only disrupt election-day activities but also impacts the broader electoral cycle. He pointed out that voter registration exercises, political campaigns and civic engagement activities are often affected in areas where security conditions are unstable. This, in turn, limits the ability of citizens to fully participate in democratic processes from the ground up.
Prof. Amupitan stressed that public confidence in elections is closely tied to the perception of safety. Even when electoral procedures are properly conducted, the presence of insecurity can lead to doubts about the legitimacy of the process and the reliability of outcomes. He warned that such perceptions, if left unaddressed, could weaken trust in democratic institutions over time.
He emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between INEC and security agencies in addressing these challenges. According to him, no electoral commission can guarantee credible elections in isolation, especially in environments where security threats persist. He therefore called for stronger inter-agency cooperation to ensure that voters, election officials and sensitive electoral materials are adequately protected before, during and after elections.
The chairman noted that election security must be treated as a continuous and structured responsibility rather than a reactive measure. He explained that effective electoral security begins long before election day, requiring early planning, risk assessment and coordinated deployment strategies to identify and mitigate potential flashpoints across the country.
He also highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing among security agencies, describing it as a critical tool in preventing electoral disruptions. According to him, timely information exchange and coordinated responses can significantly reduce the risks associated with election-related violence or instability.
Prof. Amupitan added that securing the electoral process is not solely the responsibility of security agencies but a collective duty involving all stakeholders. He called on political parties, candidates, community leaders and citizens to contribute to maintaining peace and ensuring that elections are conducted in a calm and orderly environment.
He expressed concern that if insecurity is not effectively addressed, it could lead to increased voter apathy, particularly in vulnerable regions. This, he said, may result in uneven participation across different parts of the country, thereby affecting the fairness and inclusiveness of electoral outcomes.
The INEC chairman reiterated that the commission remains committed to delivering elections that reflect the genuine will of the people. However, he stressed that achieving this goal is dependent on a secure and stable environment where citizens feel confident enough to participate without fear.
He further stated that efforts to improve electoral credibility must go beyond administrative reforms to include stronger investments in security infrastructure and coordination. According to him, safeguarding democracy requires protecting not just the voting process but also the people who participate in it.
Prof. Amupitan urged security agencies to intensify their operational readiness ahead of future elections, particularly in areas that have experienced repeated security incidents. He emphasised the need for proactive measures that prioritise prevention rather than reaction.
He also appealed to political actors to conduct themselves responsibly, warning that inflammatory rhetoric or actions that could heighten tensions should be avoided. He stressed that peaceful political engagement is essential for ensuring that elections are conducted in an atmosphere of stability and mutual respect.
The chairman noted that election management is a complex process that requires coordination at multiple levels, from federal institutions to local communities. He said that strengthening this coordination is key to addressing the security challenges that threaten electoral integrity.
Prof. Amupitan concluded by reaffirming INEC’s determination to continue working with all relevant stakeholders to improve the electoral system. He expressed confidence that with sustained collaboration, adequate planning and commitment to peace, Nigeria can overcome the security challenges affecting elections and strengthen democratic governance across the country.
