INEC Chairman Seeks Air Force Support and Collaboration for Upcoming Elections

By Iyojo Ameh

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal H.B. Abubakar, seeking collaboration ahead of the upcoming bye-elections and re-run elections in 26 states, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and commended the Air Force’s professionalism and neutrality in election security.

With elections scheduled in nine states to fill vacancies in national and state assemblies, Prof.

The upcoming electoral tasks involve 80 local government areas, 575 registration areas/wards, and 8,934 polling units, with 4,904,627 registered voters expected to participate.

Highlighting Section 27(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, Prof. Yakubu invoked the legal provision allowing the Commission to seek support from security agencies. He specifically sought the NAF’s assistance in swiftly delivering materials to key locations in the North East, South East, and South West geopolitical zones.

In his assurances of transparency, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu pledged to involve all stakeholders in the inspection and movement of materials, including political parties’ agents, observers, and the media.

Expressing gratitude for the support, Prof. Yakubu anticipated a seamless collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force.

In response, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal H.B. Abubakar, thanked Prof. Yakubu for fostering democracy and strengthening collaboration between NAF and INEC.

Emphasizing their shared commitment to good governance, stability, and the rule of law, Air Marshal Abubakar noted the alternative aircraft for transporting sensitive materials but urged timely planning due to capacity limitations.

He also reminded Prof. Yakubu of outstanding bills, stressing their settlement for enhanced service delivery. Concluding his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff expressed gratitude for the visit, foreseeing increased cooperation and synergy between NAF and INEC, anticipating positive impacts on Nigeria’s democratic processes. The collective commitment to maintaining the country’s status as the giant of Africa was affirmed.