Military deployment shouldn’t be routine during elections — INEC chair

The deployment of the Armed Forces during elections should be an exceptional measure, not a routine occurrence, according to the Chairman of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan. Speaking at a seminar in Abuja, represented by the Director of Legal, Al-Hassan Umar, Amupitan clarified that military involvement is only justified when prevailing security conditions require support for civil authorities, strictly adhering to constitutional provisions.

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

Amupitan underscored the constitutional framework governing election security, stating that INEC is mandated to organize elections, while the Nigeria Police Force serves as the lead agency for election security. The Armed Forces, he explained, play a supportive, protective, and constitutionally anchored role. Their responsibilities can include securing national assets, protecting critical infrastructure, and aiding civil authorities in situations demanding extraordinary intervention.

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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.

This constitutional arrangement, Amupitan noted, preserves the civilian nature of elections while ensuring that security support is available when exceptional circumstances demand it. He emphasized that maintaining a balance between civilian election management and military support is crucial for public confidence in both the electoral process and the Armed Forces. Furthermore, he urged members of the Armed Forces to maintain absolute political neutrality, serving the Nigerian State and Constitution rather than any political party or individual.

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This constitutional arrangement does not diminish the importance of the Armed Forces. Rather, it preserves the civilian character of elections while ensuring that security support remains available whenever exceptional circumstances demand it.