NAF Pledges Air Support for 2027 Elections, Boosts Collaboration with INEC
Oru Leonard
ABUJA — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated its readiness to support Nigeria’s electoral process through enhanced logistics, aerial surveillance, and security operations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The assurance was given by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between both institutions to ensure credible and well-coordinated elections.
Speaking during the visit, Aneke stated that the Air Force is fully prepared to assist INEC with the rapid airlift of electoral materials and personnel across the country, particularly to remote or hard-to-reach areas where transportation challenges could affect timely deployment.
He noted that preparations are already underway to ensure operational readiness.
“We are working ahead to ensure that all our heavy haulage aircraft and medium-level aircraft undergo periodic maintenance so that when they are required, they will be ready,” he said.
The Air Chief explained that the Air Force has consistently supported INEC in transporting both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials in previous elections and is ready to expand that role in future electoral activities.
Beyond logistics, Aneke said the Air Force will deploy its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to strengthen election security nationwide.
According to him, advanced aerial technologies—including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—will be deployed to monitor areas of interest, detect potential threats, and support rapid response by security agencies.
He added that some of the surveillance platforms are capable of remaining airborne for extended periods, enabling real-time monitoring of critical locations before and during elections.
The Air Chief also highlighted the importance of coordinated planning and simulation exercises between security agencies and INEC, stressing that rehearsals and joint preparations significantly improve operational efficiency during election periods.
He assured the Commission that the Air Force would continue working closely with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to safeguard electoral infrastructure such as INEC offices, collation centres, and logistics hubs across the country.
Responding, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan welcomed the continued partnership, describing the visit as timely as the Commission intensifies preparations for upcoming electoral activities.
He disclosed that under the revised timetable issued in line with the Electoral Act 2026, the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 16, 2027.
Amupitan stressed that effective logistics remains one of the most critical factors in delivering successful elections.
“An election can only be as good as its logistics,” he said, noting that the Air Force’s strategic airlift capacity would significantly strengthen electoral operations across the country.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its role in previous elections, including the Anambra State governorship poll, which he said benefited from the military’s logistical support.
The INEC chairman further revealed that the Commission will conduct governorship elections in Ekiti State in June and Osun State on August 15, describing both polls as key preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Both institutions agreed to establish a joint working team to coordinate planning, logistics, and security arrangements for upcoming electoral activities nationwide.
