INEC seeks NAF’s support for material delivery in re-run, bye-elections

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has solicited support from the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, for delivery of election materials ahead of the February 3rd, 2024 bye-elections and re-run elections in 26 states nationwide.

The was disclosed during the Chairman’s visit to NAF Headquarters in Abuja, Mahmoud also congratulated Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Hassan Abubakar, on his appointment as the 22nd Chief of Air Staff while commending the NAF for its consistent cooperation in providing election security and logistic support, emphasizing the neutrality and professionalism displayed by NAF officers and airmen in previous electoral processes.

The INEC Boss highlighted the significance of collaboration, he stated that “In handling such a huge national assignment, the Commission cannot do it alone. That is why we seek to mobilise every national asset, including NAF.”

He went on to explain that the law empowers INEC to seek support from security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, as outlined in Section 27(3) of the Electoral Act 2022. The focus of the collaboration with NAF is to promptly deliver materials to key locations in the North East, South East, and South West geo-political zones of the country.

Yakubu said “This weekend, the Commission will conduct bye-elections and re-run elections in 26 States of the Federation. In nine States, two Senators, four members of the House of Representatives and three members of State Houses of Assembly will be elected in bye-elections to replace members who passed on or resigned their memberships of the national and State Assemblies.

“In other States, re-run elections will take place at designated constituencies or Polling Units as ordered by the Election Appeal Tribunals.

He added that In all the elections will fill vacancies in three Senatorial Districts, 17 Federal and 28 State Constituencies spread across 80 Local Government Areas, 575 Registration Areas/Wards and 8,934 Polling Units involving 4,904,627 registered voters out of which 4,613,291 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been collected.

“In handling such a huge national assignment, the Commission cannot do it alone. That is why we seek to mobilise every national asset, including NAF. It is in realisation of this objective that the law empowers the Commission to seek the support of the security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies in the delivery of materials and the protection of election officials as clearly provided for in Section 27(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.

“The elections are holding this weekend. Working with the Central Bank of Nigeria, materials are being delivered to many locations. However, given the size and distance of some constituencies, we seek for the support of NAF to expeditiously deliver materials to three locations in the North East, South East and the South West geo-political zones of the country. We have already indicated to the Chief of the Air Staff the specific locations and the tonnage of materials to be airlifted.

“The evacuation of the materials from the focal airports to the States where election will hold will be handled by the Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria as has been the standard practice. Thereafter, the inspection and movement of all materials to the various Local Government Areas and beyond will be done with the full participation of all stakeholders, particularly agents of political parties and candidates, observers and the media in a transparent manner

“I would like to first of all appreciate the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal H. B. Abubakar, for the warm welcome to the NAF Headquarters. Secondly, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment as the 22nd Chief of the Air Staff and all other recently promoted officers serving at both headquarters and elsewhere.

“Thirdly, I would like to commend NAF for your cooperation in the area of election security and logistic support for the timely delivery of materials during general elections, off-cycle elections, bye-elections, supplementary elections and re-run elections. I want to place on record the neutrality and professionalism of NAF in particular and armed forces in general in discharging your responsibilities. There has been no unhappy incidents or compromise on the part of your officers and airmen.

In his response, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, appreciated INEC’s initiatives under Chairman Mahmood Yakubu’s leadership, highlighting achievements such as continuous voter registration, technological advancements, voter education, and the Electoral Act of 2022.

These reforms were praised for enhancing transparency and credibility in the electoral process. The CAS affirmed the commitment of the NAF to collaborate with INEC, emphasizing their shared objectives in promoting good governance, stability, and the rule of law across Nigeria.

The CAS emphasized the NAF’s role in providing security and logistical support for INEC during elections. While some aircraft are undergoing maintenance, the CAS assured continued support with alternative planes for transporting electoral materials.

However, the CAS highlighted outstanding bills from INEC, urging prompt settlement for improved service.