By Joy Onu
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Election, the integrity of the nation’s polls is taking center stage in conversations about security and stability. Speaking on Monday at INEC Headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, emphasized that credible elections are more than a democratic ritual they are a cornerstone of national peace.
Prof. Amupitan received a delegation from the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (ANNISS), led by its President, Barr. Mike Ejiofor, FSI, in what the Chairman described as a timely and strategic engagement. The meeting was held ahead of ANNISS’s Second Annual Lecture, themed “Credible Elections and National Security in Nigeria.”
“Credible elections are the bedrock of democracy,” Prof. Amupitan said. “Their integrity directly impacts national security. Free and fair elections cannot happen in a climate of violence. It is therefore essential for electoral bodies, security agencies, and policymakers to work together to uphold transparency and safety at every stage of the process.”
The INEC Chairman acknowledged ANNISS’s contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s security landscape, noting that the training of senior officers across the military, intelligence, and regulatory agencies has helped build a resilient framework for national protection.
He further stressed that collaboration between INEC and security stakeholders is not optional but a necessity. “A secure environment is foundational for elections to succeed,” he added. “Our commitment to innovation and collective action remains unwavering.”
Barr. Ejiofor, speaking on behalf of ANNISS, underscored the importance of such institutional conversations, especially as the country approaches the next electoral cycle. “Our courses focus on leadership and the security dimensions of electoral processes. INEC’s engagement with security professionals is crucial if we are to safeguard the 2027 elections,” he said.
The ANNISS President also lauded Prof. Amupitan’s appointment, describing the task of steering elections in a nation of over 200 million people as a “weighty national responsibility.” He urged all stakeholders to anticipate challenges while striving for a seamless electoral process.
Looking ahead, the forthcoming ANNISS Annual Lecture promises to be a high-profile gathering of security experts, civil society actors, and electoral stakeholders. Former Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini has been confirmed as Guest Speaker, signaling a robust dialogue on practical strategies to strengthen electoral integrity.
By the end of the meeting, both INEC and ANNISS reaffirmed a shared commitment: Nigeria’s democracy thrives only when elections are conducted credibly, peacefully, and under the watchful eye of a coordinated security network.
