INEC Seeks Stronger Police Collaboration Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that insecurity could undermine the credibility of the polls.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the appeal during a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, in Abuja as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

Amupitan stressed that Nigeria’s electoral process continues to face major threats, including electoral violence, vote-buying, insecurity, misinformation, and attacks on electoral officials and materials. According to him, the commission cannot deliver credible elections without robust security support and effective inter-agency coordination.

“The scale of insecurity across the various parts of Nigeria presents a threat to the conduct of fair elections,” the INEC chairman said while urging security agencies to conduct comprehensive risk assessments ahead of the polls.

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He explained that early security planning had become necessary because political activities, including party congresses, primaries, and off-cycle governorship elections in states such as Ekiti and Osun, were already increasing nationwide political tension.

Amupitan also urged the police to pay special attention to vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and persons with disabilities, to ensure they are not excluded from participating in the electoral process.

Responding, the Inspector-General of Police reportedly assured INEC of the Force’s readiness to strengthen election security operations through intelligence-led policing, threat assessments, and stricter enforcement of electoral laws.

The police chief also warned that individuals involved in vote-buying, voter intimidation, ballot snatching, and attacks on election materials would face arrest and prosecution.

The latest development comes amid growing concerns among civil society groups and political stakeholders over electoral credibility, insecurity, and public trust in democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC has repeatedly maintained that credible elections require not only transparent processes but also a safe environment where voters can participate without fear or intimidation.