The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to support Nigeria’s electoral process through logistics, security and surveillance operations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Aneke made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, where both institutions discussed strengthening collaboration to ensure credible elections.
The Air Chief said the NAF remains “willing, able and ready” to provide rapid airlift of electoral materials and personnel across the country, particularly to remote areas where transportation challenges often hinder timely deployment.
According to him, the Air Force is already undertaking maintenance of its heavy and medium airlift aircraft to ensure they are fully operational before the elections.
“We are working ahead to ensure that all our heavy haulage aircraft and medium-level aircraft are undergoing periodic maintenance so that by the time you will need us, they will be ready,” Aneke said.
He noted that the NAF has historically supported INEC with the transportation of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials, adding that the Force is prepared to expand that role in future elections.
Beyond logistics, Aneke disclosed that the Air Force is also positioning intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, to assist in monitoring election activities and detecting potential security threats early.
“The use of drones and UAVs has become a game changer. These assets can stay airborne for two to three days to monitor areas of interest and help security agencies respond quickly to threats,” he explained.
The Air Chief also emphasised the importance of joint planning and simulation exercises between security agencies and INEC ahead of major elections, stressing that rehearsals and preparatory exercises significantly improve operational outcomes.
He assured the Commission that the NAF would continue to collaborate with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to protect electoral infrastructure such as INEC offices, collation centres and logistics hubs.
Responding, INEC Chairman Omoke welcomed the partnership and described the visit as a major reassurance for the Commission as it prepares for upcoming elections.
He disclosed that under the revised timetable issued pursuant to the Electoral Act 2026, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for February 16, 2027.
Omoke said logistics remains one of the most critical factors in the success of elections, noting that the Commission intends to deepen collaboration with the military, particularly the Air Force, to overcome transportation and deployment challenges.
“An election can only be as good as its logistics,” he said, adding that the expertise of the Air Force in strategic logistics and security operations would significantly strengthen the electoral process.
He also appreciated the support previously provided by the Nigerian Air Force during the Anambra governorship election and other by-elections, which he said helped ensure smooth conduct of the polls.
The INEC chairman further revealed that the Commission will soon conduct governorship elections in Ekiti State in June and Osun State on August 15, describing them as critical tests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Both institutions agreed to establish a joint working team to coordinate planning, logistics and security arrangements in preparation for the upcoming electoral activities across the country.
