INEC chair: Troops shouldn’t be regular feature at elections

The deployment of the Nigerian Armed Forces during elections should be an exceptional occurrence, reserved only for situations where security conditions demand support for civil authorities, according to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly delineates the responsibilities of institutions involved in the electoral process.

Professor Joash Amupitan, represented by the Director of Legal, Al-Hassan Umar, delivered this keynote address at a seminar in Abuja. He reiterated that the Nigerian Constitution clearly defines the roles of institutions in election management. INEC is mandated to conduct elections, while the Nigeria Police Force serves as the primary agency for election security, operating within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security framework.

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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.

"The role of the Armed Forces is exceptional rather than routine," Amupitan stated. "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." He characterized the military's function as supportive rather than supervisory, protective rather than political, and firmly rooted in constitutional responsibility.

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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.

Amupitan outlined potential military responsibilities during elections, including securing national assets, protecting critical infrastructure, aiding the movement of sensitive materials, and intervening in extraordinary security situations. He stressed that this constitutional arrangement preserves the civilian character of elections while ensuring security support is available when needed. Maintaining this balance is crucial for public confidence in both the electoral process and the Armed Forces, who must remain politically neutral and serve the Nigerian State, not any specific party or candidate.

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The Armed Forces serve the Nigerian State and the Constitution, not any political party, candidate or individual.