The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained that regular deployment of military personnel during elections is unnecessary, saying soldiers should only be engaged when exceptional security challenges require support for civil authorities. Representing INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan at a seminar in Abuja, the commission’s Director of Legal, Al-Hassan Umar, said the Constitution clearly […]
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained that regular deployment of military personnel during elections is unnecessary, saying soldiers should only be engaged when exceptional security challenges require support for civil authorities.
Representing INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan at a seminar in Abuja, the commission’s Director of Legal, Al-Hassan Umar, said the Constitution clearly defines the responsibilities of institutions involved in election management.
He said the Armed Forces should only provide support when security conditions demand military intervention in aid of civil authorities.
According to him, the military’s role includes protecting strategic assets, securing sensitive election materials where necessary and assisting during major security emergencies.
Amupitan also urged military personnel to maintain strict political neutrality and professionalism whenever deployed for election duties.
He added that INEC is working with security agencies to strengthen coordination ahead of the 2027 general elections as it prepares to address both physical and cyber-related threats to the electoral process.