The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has raised concerns over an alleged plan by bandits and other criminal groups to intimidate, kidnap and attack electoral personnel during the 2027 general election.
Amupitan disclosed this on Friday while speaking at Chatham House in London, where he discussed preparations for the forthcoming elections and security threats facing the electoral process.
According to the INEC chairman, intelligence reports available to the Commission indicated that some criminal kingpins were planning to target ad-hoc election workers, particularly members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)expected to serve during the polls.
He said the alleged plan involved threatening, intimidating and abducting electoral personnel deployed to polling units and other election locations.
Amupitan, however, disclosed that intelligence-led operations had resulted in the arrest of individuals suspected of masterminding the plot.
He said the suspects had been taken to court through the Department of State Services (DSS).
“Intelligence-driven operations had led to the arrest of suspected masterminds behind the alleged plot, and they have been taken to court through the DSS,” he said.
The INEC chairman warned that anyone who threatens, attacks or harms electoral personnel would face the full consequences of the law.
He stressed that the Commission would not compromise the safety of its staff and temporary election workers, particularly corps members who are expected to play important roles in the conduct of the 2027 polls.
Amupitan also said INEC was strengthening its collaboration with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to identify emerging threats and address them before election day.
He noted that the credibility of the 2027 general election would depend significantly on the neutrality, professionalism and commitment of electoral officials, especially those working at the grassroots.
The INEC chairman further cautioned election personnel against partisan activities and administrative negligence, warning that officials who violate electoral regulations would face appropriate disciplinary action.
His warning comes as preparations for the 2027 general election continue amid concerns over insecurity in parts of the country and the safety of personnel expected to manage the electoral process.
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