The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), have jointly called on personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria assigned to election security duties to remain politically neutral, safeguard the rights of voters, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism throughout the electoral process.
The two leaders stressed that military personnel deployed during elections have a constitutional responsibility to support civil authorities in maintaining law and order without interfering in the democratic choices of Nigerians.
Furthermore, they emphasised that election security operations must be conducted with discipline, impartiality, respect for human rights, and strict adherence to the rule of law in order to preserve public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
According to General Oluyede, the Armed Forces remain committed to supporting peaceful, credible, and secure elections by creating an environment where eligible citizens can exercise their voting rights freely without intimidation or fear.
Professor Amupitan also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to ensure elections are conducted peacefully, transparently, and in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
Military Must Remain Politically Neutral
General Oluyede reminded personnel that political neutrality remains one of the most important principles guiding military involvement during elections.
Furthermore, members of the Armed Forces must avoid actions capable of creating perceptions of political bias or interference.
Neutrality protects democracy.
According to the Defence Chief, military professionalism requires equal treatment for every political party, candidate, and voter throughout the electoral process.
Professional conduct builds confidence.
Protecting the Rights of Every Voter
Both leaders stressed that protecting voters remains the primary responsibility of security personnel deployed during elections.
Furthermore, every eligible Nigerian must enjoy the opportunity to cast a ballot freely and peacefully.
Every vote matters.
Security personnel therefore play an important role in maintaining order while protecting democratic participation across polling locations.
Safe elections encourage participation.
Professional Conduct Is Essential
General Oluyede urged military personnel to maintain discipline throughout election operations.
Furthermore, professionalism enhances public confidence while strengthening the credibility of electoral processes.
Discipline inspires trust.
Personnel were encouraged to remain courteous, respectful, and fully compliant with established operational guidelines.
Professional behaviour strengthens institutions.
Supporting Peaceful Elections
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peaceful elections nationwide.
Furthermore, security agencies continue collaborating with INEC to create safe environments before, during, and after voting.
Peaceful elections strengthen democracy.
Effective coordination among security agencies contributes significantly to maintaining public order.
Cooperation improves security.
INEC Values Strong Security Partnerships
Professor Amupitan acknowledged the importance of collaboration between electoral authorities and security institutions.
Furthermore, successful elections require coordinated planning, information sharing, and professional execution among all relevant stakeholders.
Partnerships support credibility.
The INEC Chairman expressed confidence that continued cooperation will strengthen electoral integrity across Nigeria.
Collaboration delivers results.
Respect for Human Rights
The two leaders also emphasised respect for human rights during election security operations.
Furthermore, all security personnel must perform their duties within constitutional and legal boundaries while protecting citizens’ freedoms.
Human rights remain fundamental.
Responsible security operations strengthen both democracy and public confidence in state institutions.
Respect encourages stability.
Building Public Confidence
Credible elections depend upon public trust.
Furthermore, transparent security operations reassure citizens that electoral processes remain free from undue influence.
Confidence encourages participation.
According to the Defence Chief, maintaining neutrality strengthens public belief in democratic institutions.
Trust supports democracy.
Democracy Requires Responsible Institutions
General Oluyede noted that democratic systems flourish whenever public institutions perform their responsibilities professionally.
Furthermore, security agencies contribute significantly to protecting democratic processes through lawful and impartial service.
Institutions strengthen governance.
Professional conduct by election personnel reinforces constitutional principles while protecting national stability.
Strong institutions protect democracy.
Preparing for Successful Electoral Operations
Military personnel deployed for election duties were encouraged to familiarise themselves fully with operational guidelines before deployment.
Furthermore, proper preparation improves coordination while reducing unnecessary challenges during election operations.
Preparation enhances effectiveness.
Training, communication, and discipline remain essential components of successful election security management.
Planning prevents confusion.
Looking Ahead
The joint message from the Chief of Defence Staff and the INEC Chairman reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process through professionalism, neutrality, and respect for the rule of law.
Furthermore, both institutions expressed confidence that disciplined security operations will contribute to peaceful, orderly, and credible elections capable of reflecting the genuine will of Nigerian voters.
Democracy depends on integrity.
Looking Ahead
The joint appeal by General Olufemi Oluyede and INEC Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) reinforces the importance of professionalism, neutrality, and respect for voters’ rights in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.
Furthermore, their message highlights the critical role of the Armed Forces in supporting peaceful elections while remaining firmly committed to constitutional responsibilities and the protection of every citizen’s democratic freedoms.
As Nigeria continues strengthening its electoral institutions, sustained cooperation between INEC, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies is expected to promote greater public confidence, improve election security, protect lawful participation, and reinforce the nation’s democratic values. Through disciplined service, institutional integrity, respect for human rights, and unwavering political neutrality, election security personnel can continue contributing meaningfully to peaceful, transparent, and credible elections across the country.
