The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that the deployment of the Armed Forces during elections should remain an exceptional measure, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force remains the constitutionally designated lead agency for election security.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the position known on Thursday in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Al-Hassan Umar, at a seminar organised by the Army War College Nigeria in Abuja.

The seminar, themed “The Role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in Conducting Free, Fair and Credible Elections: Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections in Perspective,” brought together military commanders, police officers, officials of other security agencies and INEC representatives to examine the legal and operational framework for election security.

Reaffirming the constitutional roles of institutions involved in the electoral process, the INEC chairman said while the Commission is responsible for conducting elections, the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

“As both a teacher and practitioner of law, permit me to begin by reaffirming the constitutional framework governing election security in Nigeria,” he said.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly delineates the responsibilities of institutions involved in the electoral process. INEC is constitutionally mandated to organise, undertake and supervise elections, while the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security under the framework of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.”

He stressed that military involvement in elections should only occur when prevailing security conditions require the Armed Forces to assist civil authorities, and always within the limits prescribed by the Constitution and other applicable laws.

“The role of the Armed Forces is exceptional rather than routine. Their deployment arises only where prevailing security conditions require military support in aid of the civil authorities and strictly in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.

“Accordingly, the Armed Forces perform a supportive rather than supervisory role, protective rather than political, and one firmly anchored in constitutional responsibility,” he said.

The Commission also reiterated its commitment to delivering elections that are transparent, inclusive, technology-driven and fully compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

Yakubu said INEC would continue to prioritise the participation of persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups while ensuring that voters exercise their franchise in a secure environment.

“In this regard, we look forward to the continued support of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in ensuring that election-day security is discharged with professionalism, restraint and respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every citizen.

“Security personnel must inspire confidence, protect voters, safeguard election officials and preserve the integrity of the electoral process.

“Our shared objective is not merely the conduct of peaceful elections, but elections in which every Nigerian can freely exercise the constitutional right to vote without fear, intimidation or unlawful interference,” he added.

Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, charged military personnel to maintain strict neutrality, professionalism and respect for human rights during election-related operations.

Represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, the CDS said the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 would be measured not only by the absence of violence but also by adherence to the rule of law and internationally recognised human rights standards.

“As we approach the electioneering period, with increasing political activities across the country, it is imperative that Armed Forces personnel are constantly reminded of their roles to ensure the maintenance of strict neutrality, professionalism and adherence to international human rights provisions,” he said.

Oluyede noted that previous elections had tested the military’s operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and civil-military relations, but said the Armed Forces had consistently demonstrated professionalism in supporting democratic processes.

He emphasised that the Constitution empowers the military to suppress insurrection and provide aid to civil authorities only when required, adding that the Armed Forces had remained faithful to that constitutional mandate.

The CDS also commended officers and soldiers for their conduct during recent off-cycle governorship elections and by-elections in Ekiti, Kano, Kebbi, Rivers, Nasarawa, Enugu and Ondo states.

“The professional conduct of Armed Forces personnel contributed to the seamless and incident-free elections witnessed in these states.

“I expect that the lessons from these elections will be applied to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, enhance rapid response capabilities and ensure the protection of law-abiding citizens while maintaining political neutrality,” he said.

He urged participants at the seminar to apply the knowledge gained in strengthening election security ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that professionalism, impartiality and respect for democratic principles remain essential to sustaining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.