The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over an alleged plot to target its ad hoc personnel through threats, intimidation and abductions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission warned that anyone involved in attacks against election workers would face prosecution, stressing that the safety of its personnel remained critical to conducting credible elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this in Lokoja during a North Central zonal operational readiness assessment and staff engagement.
Amupitan revealed that intelligence-driven operations conducted in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) had led to the arrest of some suspects allegedly connected to the threats.
He added that the arrested individuals had been arraigned in court, warning that the commission would not tolerate any attempt to intimidate, abduct or harm electoral officials.
The INEC chairman also cautioned electoral officers against administrative negligence, political bias and other forms of misconduct that could undermine public confidence in the 2027 elections.
He emphasised that the neutrality and professionalism of officials at the grassroots level would play a significant role in determining the credibility of the electoral process.
According to him, preparations for the forthcoming elections must begin early, rather than relying on emergency arrangements close to the voting period.
“Credible elections cannot be achieved through last-minute arrangements,” Amupitan stated.
He further disclosed that INEC was strengthening its collaboration with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to identify and address potential threats before they escalate.
The commission is expected to oversee an electorate of more than 103 million registered voters across 176,846 polling units nationwide during the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan’s warning comes amid growing concerns over electoral security and the protection of personnel involved in the conduct of elections across the country.
