The Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission of the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to provide nationwide airlift and comprehensive security support for the 2027 general elections.
Aneke gave the assurance on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
He noted that the Air Force has consistently played a vital role in ensuring the timely distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across the country.
According to him, although some of the Air Force’s C-130 aircraft are currently undergoing scheduled maintenance abroad, the service will deploy alternative aircraft to ensure uninterrupted transportation of election materials and personnel.
He said the long-standing partnership between the Air Force and the electoral body is anchored on a shared commitment to national stability, professionalism and the rule of law.
“The Nigerian Air Force considers its partnership with the commission as an important contribution to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process,” he said.
Aneke added that the engagement provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between both institutions and reaffirm their commitment to supporting the successful conduct of elections nationwide.
He stressed that the success of elections depends largely on effective security arrangements and efficient logistics, noting that the Air Force has remained a dependable partner to INEC by providing security support and rapid airlift for the movement of electoral materials across the country.
Beyond logistics, the Air Chief highlighted the Air Force’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities, which he said would improve situational awareness and help detect potential security threats during the electoral period.
He also said the Air Force would work closely with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to protect INEC facilities, collation centres and key logistics hubs.
Aneke praised the professionalism and apolitical posture of the Air Force, noting that its air power provides not only physical transportation but also psychological assurance of electoral integrity.
“We are ready to deploy our capabilities wherever and whenever needed to safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
Responding, the INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, commended the Air Force for its operational support during previous elections, including the Anambra and Federal Capital Territory polls, as well as by-elections in Kano and Rivers states.
He said the presidential and National Assembly elections, as well as governorship and state assembly polls scheduled for 2027, would require meticulous planning and strong logistics.
Amupitan added that a joint planning team would be established to coordinate operations ahead of the elections, stressing that effective preparation would be key to the success of the electoral process.
