By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash O. Amupitan, has emphasised the critical link between credible elections and national security, stressing that transparent and fair electoral processes are essential for Nigeria’s democratic stability and peace.
Amupitan made the remarks on Monday in Abuja while receiving members of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies during a courtesy visit to the commission.
Welcoming the delegation led by the association’s president, Mike Ejiofor, the INEC chairman said the visit underscored the strong relationship between effective security management and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
He noted that the association plays a significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture by training senior officers drawn from the Armed Forces, the Police, and other intelligence and security agencies.
Amupitan described the theme of the association’s forthcoming second annual lecture, “Credible Election and National Security in Nigeria,” as timely and important, noting that credible elections are fundamental to national stability and democratic development.
“Today’s gathering underscores the vital connection between effective security management and the integrity of our electoral process. The theme for your upcoming 2nd Annual Lecture, ‘Credible Election and National Security in Nigeria,’ is both timely and critical. It highlights the interconnectedness of credible elections in fostering national stability, peace, and security,” he said.
According to him, as Nigeria continues to deepen its democratic journey, ensuring credible elections remains a foremost priority, noting that the legitimacy and integrity of elections directly affect national security.
“These elections are the bedrock of our democracy, and their integrity directly impacts our national security. It is therefore imperative that our security agencies, policymakers, and stakeholders work in harmony to uphold transparency, fairness, and security during every electoral cycle,” the INEC chairman added.
He commended the alumni association for its commitment to strengthening the capacity of security professionals across the country, noting that such efforts are essential in safeguarding the nation’s democratic institutions.
“I commend AANIS for your unwavering commitment to building the capacity of our security professionals; your efforts are integral in strengthening our nation’s resilience against threats that may undermine our democratic development,” Amupitan stated.
The INEC chairman also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, adding that the commission would continue to adopt innovative approaches and strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders to improve the electoral process.
“INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, leveraging innovative approaches and strengthened collaborations. We recognize that a secure environment is foundational for the success of our electoral processes and, ultimately, for Nigeria’s progress,” he said.
Amupitan expressed optimism that the upcoming lecture by the alumni association would provide valuable insights and further strengthen collaboration between electoral and security institutions in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
