The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the Nigerian Air Force’s continued support in providing airlift and surveillance capabilities to facilitate the successful conduct of elections across the country.
Air Marshal Aneke gave the assurance on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Amupitan underscored the importance of meticulous planning, efficient logistics and strong inter-agency collaboration in the conduct of credible elections in Nigeria.
“The election can only be as good as the logistics,” the INEC Chairman said. “Failure to plan is planning to fail. Nigerians are looking ahead to the next general election and they expect the best from us.”
He noted that the Commission has already released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election in line with the Electoral Act 2026. According to the timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for February 16, 2027.
Prof. Amupitan explained that conducting elections across Nigeria’s vast geographical terrain presents significant logistical challenges, particularly in deploying personnel and materials to difficult and remote locations.
“We recognise the ongoing challenges we face, particularly in deploying personnel and materials to difficult terrains. That is why this collaboration is not just important, it is necessary,” he said.
The INEC Chairman commended the Nigerian Air Force for its support in previous elections, including the November 2025 Anambra Governorship Election, the February 2026 FCT Area Council Election and several by-elections across the country.
“At very short notice, you were able to deliver. Even when we encountered minor challenges, you stepped in promptly to ensure there were no logistical gaps,” he said.
He added that seamless logistics and adequate security are essential in strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
“Our objective is clear — to strike the necessary link between legality and legitimacy. That link is strengthened when logistics are seamless and security is assured,” he stated.
Prof. Amupitan also disclosed that the Commission would establish a joint technical team with the Nigerian Air Force to enhance operational planning and coordination ahead of major electoral activities.
“We are going to engage ahead of time. Early planning, detailed timelines and clarity on deployment sizes and locations are essential. If we work together proactively, we can address challenges before they arise,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Air Marshal Aneke congratulated Prof. Amupitan on his appointment and commended the Commission’s ongoing reform initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and inclusiveness.
He described Nigeria as the largest democracy on the African continent and noted that its democratic resilience continues to be sustained by strong institutions such as INEC.
The Chief of the Air Staff assured the Commission that the Nigerian Air Force remains willing, able and ready to provide airlift support for the deployment of electoral personnel and materials to remote areas across the country.
He also disclosed that heavy and medium-lift aircraft in the Air Force fleet are undergoing periodic maintenance to ensure full operational readiness for future electoral deployments.
Beyond logistics, Air Marshal Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force would deploy Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, including drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), to support monitoring of the electoral environment.
“These assets can remain airborne for extended periods and assist in the early detection of potential security threats,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of joint simulation exercises between both institutions to identify operational gaps ahead of major elections.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, expressing confidence that strengthened coordination between INEC and the Nigerian Air Force will contribute significantly to the conduct of secure, orderly and credible elections in Nigeria.
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