Nigeria’s army tells personnel to remain neutral and professional during 2027 elections

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Nigerian Army has told its personnel that election security must begin with political neutrality and strict respect for the law.

The instruction came at a sensitisation lecture held by 81 Division on September 1, 2026. Commanders, officers and soldiers attended alongside representatives of other military services, security agencies, resource persons and discussants. The session focused on the legal and operational responsibilities of armed forces personnel during election-related deployments.

Major General AA Babalola, the division’s General Officer Commanding, said military involvement in election security is a supporting responsibility regulated by the Constitution. He said the Armed Forces remain subordinate to constitutionally established civilian authority, and cited Sections 217(2)(c) and 218 as the legal basis for deploying the military to assist civil authorities when directed by the president.

Babalola told commanders and soldiers to understand both the powers and limits attached to such deployments. Personnel must follow lawful directives, approved Rules of Engagement, the Code of Conduct and the chain of command. They must also know the Constitution, the Armed Forces Act, the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines and relevant service regulations. “Ignorance of the law cannot be given as an excuse,” he warned.

The GOC also stressed the lawful thresholds for searches, arrests and the use of force, as well as the treatment of civilians and protection of fundamental rights. He said the Nigeria Police Force remains the primary agency responsible for public safety and order during elections. Cooperation among agencies, he added, must be matched by legality, proportionality, restraint and political neutrality.

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Ignorance of the law cannot be given as an excuse.