The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has expressed deep concern over emerging threats that could undermine Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that credible elections cannot be separated from national security.
Amupitan made these remarks while delivering a keynote address at the 2nd Annual Lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS). His speech highlighted the growing complexities surrounding election management in Nigeria and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to safeguard the integrity of the country’s democratic system.
According to the INEC chairman, Nigeria is entering a critical phase following the official release of the 2027 election timetable. He noted that the scheduled presidential and National Assembly elections should no longer be viewed merely as political events, but as developments with significant security implications.
“In the present context, elections and security must no longer be treated as separate concerns,” Amupitan stated. “They are two sides of the same coin of national stability.”
He stressed that the conduct of credible elections is fundamentally tied to the broader security environment, warning that any lapse in security could severely compromise the ability of citizens to freely exercise their democratic rights. Without adequate protection and stability, he said, the electoral process risks being undermined by both internal and external threats.
Amupitan identified what he described as a “sophisticated triad” of emerging dangers confronting Nigeria’s elections. These include the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate public perception, and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). He explained that these digital threats, when combined with existing security challenges, create a complex risk landscape that requires urgent attention.
Beyond the digital space, the INEC chairman also pointed to persistent logistical and security challenges within the country. He referenced ongoing insurgency in parts of the North-East, communal clashes in various regions, and other forms of civil unrest as factors that could disrupt electoral activities and discourage voter participation.
“Without a secure environment, the sovereign will of the people is not just threatened; it is silenced,” he warned, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Amupitan further raised concerns about the steady decline in voter turnout over the years, describing it as both a democratic and security issue. He noted that voter participation has dropped significantly, from 53 percent in the 2011 general elections to just 26 percent in the 2023 polls. This downward trend, he said, reflects waning public confidence in the electoral system and creates opportunities for destabilising actors to exploit.
“A decline in voter turnout is not just a statistical concern,” he explained. “It creates a vacuum that can be exploited by those who seek to undermine democratic order and national stability.”
To address these challenges, the INEC chairman emphasized the importance of rebuilding public trust in the electoral process. He noted that confidence in elections is critical to ensuring peaceful participation and preventing post-election disputes or unrest.
Amupitan also highlighted the Commission’s ongoing efforts to leverage technology in improving the credibility and transparency of elections. He cited the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as key innovations designed to reduce electoral fraud and enhance accountability.
According to him, these technological tools have already contributed to greater transparency in recent elections, but more work needs to be done to strengthen their effectiveness and address any operational challenges. He called for continued investment in technology, as well as measures to protect digital infrastructure from cyber threats and manipulation.
In addition to technological solutions, Amupitan underscored the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies and other stakeholders involved in election management. He specifically referenced the role of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), which brings together various security institutions to coordinate efforts before, during, and after elections.
He urged all relevant agencies to deepen their cooperation and adopt a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential threats. This, he said, would be crucial in ensuring that elections are conducted in a peaceful and secure environment.
Stakeholders at the event echoed similar concerns, noting that the evolving nature of security threats requires innovative and adaptive strategies. They called for increased public awareness, capacity building for electoral officials, and stronger legal frameworks to address emerging challenges such as cyber interference and misinformation.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, Amupitan’s warning serves as a reminder of the intricate link between democracy and security. His remarks underscore the importance of a holistic approach that integrates electoral management with national security planning.
With less than two years to the next general elections, analysts believe that the steps taken now by INEC, security agencies, and other stakeholders will play a decisive role in shaping the credibility and peaceful conduct of the polls.
Ultimately, the success of the 2027 elections, Amupitan concluded, will depend not only on logistical preparedness but also on the collective commitment of all actors to protect the integrity of the democratic process and uphold the will of the Nigerian people.
