By Our Correspondent
National News – Fresh concerns have emerged over the credibility and security of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections after the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, warned that rising insecurity could threaten free, fair and credible polls across the country.
The warning came during a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Amupitan explained that violence, voter intimidation, vote buying and attacks on electoral officials remain major threats ahead of the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, and governorship polls fixed for February 6, 2027.
He stressed the need for a nationwide security risk assessment to identify flashpoints and protect voters, election workers and electoral materials.
The INEC chairman also highlighted concerns about Internally Displaced Persons camps and insisted that displaced Nigerians and persons with disabilities must not be denied their voting rights during the elections.
Responding to the concerns, Disu assured Nigerians that the police had already begun intelligence gathering and nationwide threat assessments.
He stated that officers involved in election security would enforce electoral laws professionally and arrest anyone linked to ballot snatching, voter intimidation or destruction of election materials.
However, opposition parties rejected any suggestion of deploying soldiers to polling units during the elections.
The Obidient Movement, Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party and New Nigeria People’s Party argued that election security should remain the responsibility of the police and other civil agencies rather than the military.
Opposition leaders warned that using soldiers during elections could increase tension, reduce public trust and create fears of political intimidation.
They also urged the Federal Government to tackle insecurity before the election period to avoid disruptions to democratic processes.
Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party announced the relocation of its national convention from Abuja to Bauchi State, citing security and logistical concerns as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
