SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over an alleged plot to threaten, intimidate, and abduct its ad hoc personnel ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that anyone who attacks or interferes with electoral workers will face prosecution.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while speaking in Lokoja, Kogi State, during a North Central zonal operational readiness assessment and staff engagement.
According to Amupitan, intelligence-driven operations carried out in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) have already led to the arrest of key suspects allegedly connected to the planned attacks. The suspects have reportedly been arraigned before a court.
He stressed that the commission would not tolerate any attempt to intimidate, threaten, or harm election officials, adding that those found responsible would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
The INEC chairman also warned the commission’s staff against administrative negligence, misconduct, and political bias, emphasizing that the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend largely on the neutrality and professionalism of officials at the grassroots level.
He noted that public confidence in the electoral process could easily be undermined if electoral officers compromise their responsibilities or allow political interests to influence their decisions.
“Credible elections cannot be achieved through last-minute arrangements,” Amupitan said, stressing the importance of early planning, effective coordination, and adequate security preparations.
He further disclosed that INEC was working closely with relevant security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to identify and address potential threats before they escalate.
The commission faces a significant logistical and security challenge ahead of the 2027 elections, as it prepares to manage more than 103 million registered voters across 176,846 polling units nationwide.
The latest warning highlights the growing importance of election security as political activities intensify ahead of the polls. Beyond protecting ballot materials and polling centers, safeguarding the lives of electoral personnel will be critical to ensuring that officials can perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
INEC’s ability to work with security agencies, prevent attacks, and maintain staff neutrality will therefore be an important test of its preparedness to deliver peaceful, credible, and transparent elections in 2027.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
