The National Security Adviser and Co-Chair of ICCES
The Inspector-General of Police
Heads and Representatives of Security, Intelligence, Law Enforcement and Safety Agencies
Members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES)
National Commissioners of INEC
Secretary to the Commission
Senior Officials of the Commission
Members of the INEC Press Corps
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. It is my pleasure to welcome you to this first regular meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security for the year 2026. This meeting is particularly significant, as it is my second ICCES engagement as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Our first meeting was on 28 October 2025, where we discussed the Anambra Governorship Election.
Although we are already in February, permit me to formally wish you a Happy New Year and, more importantly, to underline a simple truth: 2026 is a very busy electoral year. From Area Council elections to bye-elections and off-cycle governorship elections, the tempo of electoral activities is rising steadily as we move towards the 2027 General Election.
This reality places a greater burden on our collective shoulders. Security agencies must, therefore, up the ante in planning, deployment, intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination, to ensure that every electoral activity is conducted in a safe, peaceful and credible environment.
2. Barely fifteen days after I assumed office, the Commission conducted the Anambra State off-cycle Governorship Election on 8th November, 2025. Given the historical security challenges associated with elections in the state, expectations were cautious and concerns were understandable.
I am pleased to state, without equivocation, that the conduct of the election and the peaceful environment in which it was held stand as a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our security agencies. Your effective deployment, proactive intelligence coordination and firm response to threats ensured that the electoral space was sufficiently secured.
The Commission was able to declare a winner on the first ballot, despite past experiences in the state. This outcome would not have been possible without the commitment of security personnel who protected voters, electoral officials, materials and critical infrastructure. On behalf of the Commission, I commend you for a job well done.
3. This meeting is holding amid ongoing electoral activities, notably the Federal Capital Territory Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, 21st February, 2026. The election will involve 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units in the six Area Councils of the FCT.
As campaigns draw to a close on Thursday, 19th February, 2026, we look to the security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the law, prevent the misuse of thugs, curb vote buying and guarantee the safety of voters and election personnel on Election Day.
4. INEC has concluded major preparatory activities, including the batching and delivery of non-sensitive materials to the Area Councils, training of Electoral Officers and Election Security Personnel have been concluded, while the training of ad-hoc staff commenced today 6th to be concluded on the 15th of February 2026. BVAS devices are being configured, and sensitive materials will be delivered under secure conditions ahead of the polls.
Additionally, the Commission will conduct a mock accreditation on Saturday, 7th February 2026, in 289 selected Polling Units (PUs) across the six Area Councils. The selected PUs will be made available on the Commission’s website.
However, no amount of administrative readiness can substitute for effective security coordination. I urge all agencies to maintain constant communication, rapid response mechanisms and professionalism at all times, particularly at flashpoints.
5. On the same day as the FCT elections, bye-elections will be conducted in Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State, as well as Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Constituencies of Kano State.
Conducting multiple elections simultaneously across different states further reinforces the need for heightened vigilance, adequate manpower deployment and seamless inter-agency cooperation.
6. Looking ahead, the Ekiti State Governorship Election will hold on 20th June, 2026, while Osun State goes to the polls on 8th August, 2026. Preparatory activities are already underway. Early security planning is critical to preventing avoidable challenges and ensuring peaceful elections in both states.
7. As we approach the 2027 General Election, public interest and expectations continue to rise. While the Commission has finalised its timetable in line with the law, the scale and complexity of the elections demand early and sustained security engagement. Elections cannot be credible if citizens feel unsafe to participate.
8. The Commission will soon embark on a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise to further sanitise the national register ahead of 2027. This exercise, alongside the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, will require security support to protect facilities, personnel and citizens, especially in areas prone to disruption.
9. Distinguished members of ICCES, elections succeed when institutions work in harmony. INEC will continue to rely on your professionalism, neutrality and commitment to duty. The credibility of our elections, and indeed our democracy, depends largely on your ability to secure the electoral process from start to finish.
Let us remain vigilant, proactive and united in purpose as we navigate this demanding electoral year.
I thank you for your dedication and continued partnership. May God bless you all and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
6th February 2026