The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), have called on military personnel assigned to election security duties to remain politically neutral, respect voters’ rights and uphold professionalism before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made at a one-day seminar in Abuja titled, “The Role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in Conducting Free, Fair and Credible Elections: Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections in Perspective.”
The two leaders stressed that the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend significantly on the discipline, impartiality and professional conduct of security personnel deployed across the country.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, the CDS described the seminar as timely, citing the country’s evolving security challenges and the need to guarantee peaceful and credible elections.
“This seminar is therefore timely and critical to re-emphasise the non-negotiable stance of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on adherence to the principles of impartiality, neutrality and respect for human rights, ” he said.
Oluyede urged commanders and officers to equip themselves with the knowledge needed to operate effectively in a changing security environment while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
He noted that the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 would not only be measured by the absence of violence but also by the military’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights throughout the electoral process.
“As we approach the electioneering period, with a steady increase in political activities, it is imperative that Armed Forces personnel are constantly reminded of their roles in ensuring strict neutrality, professionalism and adherence to international human rights provisions, ” he said.
The CDS commended the Armed Forces for their role in previous elections, saying lessons from recent off-cycle and by-elections should strengthen inter-agency collaboration, operational readiness and public confidence ahead of 2027.
In his keynote address, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, represented by the commission’s Director of Legal Services, Dr Alhassan Umar (SAN), said public trust in elections depended on both the integrity of the electoral process and the conduct of security agencies.
“Every action taken by security personnel during elections is closely observed by citizens, political parties, election observers and the international community, ” he said.
He reminded military personnel that their loyalty must remain with the Nigerian Constitution and not with any political party, candidate or individual.
Amupitan urged officers deployed for election duties to demonstrate absolute political neutrality, respect the rule of law and fundamental human rights, and treat all political parties fairly.
Earlier, the Director of Campaign Planning at Defence Headquarters, Major General I. B. Oluyede, said the seminar was organised to deepen officers’ understanding of constitutional provisions, rules of engagement and operational guidelines for election security.
He noted that the forthcoming Osun State off-cycle governorship election would serve as an important test of the standards expected under Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027, ahead of the nationwide general elections.
