Chief Of Air Staff Reinforces NAF-INEC Partnership To Safeguard Nigeria’s Democratic Process

Chief Of Air Staff Reinforces NAF-INEC Partnership To Safeguard Nigeria’s Democratic Process

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process through enhanced collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The CAS stated this today, 10 March 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, where he congratulated him on his appointment in October 2025 and commended the Commission’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, inclusiveness, and operational efficiency in the electoral process. Air Marshal Aneke noted that as Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria’s democratic resilience depends on credible institutions such as INEC, whose mandate remains central to ensuring that citizens freely exercise their sovereign right to choose their leaders.

Highlighting the longstanding partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and INEC, the CAS emphasised that the Service has remained a dependable partner in supporting electoral operations across the country. He explained that the NAF has consistently provided strategic airlift support for the movement and distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials, as well as the rapid deployment of electoral personnel to various parts of the country, particularly difficult-to-access locations. The CAS assured the Commission that the NAF is making arrangements to make aircraft available to support INEC’s logistics requirements. He further revealed that the NAF is also positioning its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities to enhance situational awareness during elections and stands ready to collaborate with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, in protecting INEC facilities, collation centres, and other critical electoral infrastructure.

Air Marshal Aneke added that the Nigerian Air Force remains fully prepared to deploy its capabilities to support a secure electoral environment through strengthened interagency coordination and joint preparatory engagements ahead of future elections. Responding, the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the Nigerian Air Force for its longstanding support to the Commission, particularly in the areas of security and logistics. He noted that the NAF’s airlift capabilities and operational support have continued to play a crucial role in ensuring the timely movement of electoral materials and personnel across the country, thereby contributing significantly to the successful conduct of elections. The Chairman reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to sustaining strong collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to further strengthen the credibility, transparency, and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.