ABUJA — The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, on Monday declared that credible elections remain critical to Nigeria’s national security and the stability of its democratic system.
Amupitan made the assertion while receiving the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANIS) during a courtesy visit to the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the President of the association, Mike Ejiofor.
Addressing the security experts, the INEC chairman emphasised the strong relationship between effective security management and the integrity of the electoral process, stressing that transparent elections are fundamental to national peace and democratic stability.
He noted that the theme of AANIS’s forthcoming second annual lecture, “Credible Election and National Security in Nigeria,” reflects the urgent need to strengthen the link between electoral credibility and national security.
“The theme is timely and significant because it underscores the crucial connection between transparent electoral processes and a stable democratic system,” Amupitan said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s electoral process must be protected through sustained cooperation among security agencies, policymakers and other stakeholders in order to guarantee fairness, transparency and safety during elections.
According to him, credible elections not only reinforce public confidence in governance but also reduce tensions that could threaten national stability.
Amupitan commended the AANIS for its efforts in strengthening the capacity of security professionals and promoting discussions on critical national issues.
He noted that such initiatives play a vital role in enhancing Nigeria’s preparedness to address emerging threats capable of undermining democratic development.
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections across the country.
He stressed that the success of any electoral process depends largely on the availability of a secure environment in which voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders can freely participate.
Amupitan expressed optimism that the forthcoming lecture organised by the association would deepen dialogue and promote stronger collaboration between electoral authorities and security institutions.
