The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the leadership of Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed its readiness to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by airlifting sensitive and non-sensitive election materials nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Air Marshal Aneke made the assurance during a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
He emphasized the longstanding partnership between the NAF and INEC, describing it as vital to upholding Nigeria's democratic process and national stability.
"The relationship between the Nigerian Air Force and INEC has long been anchored on our shared commitment to national stability, professionalism, and the rule of law," Aneke stated.
"The successful conduct of elections is closely tied to effective security arrangements and efficient logistics management. Over the years, the Nigerian Air Force has remained a dependable partner to INEC, particularly in providing security support as well as rapid airlift for the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across the country."
He assured INEC that the NAF remains "willing, able, and ready" to provide such assistance.
Acknowledging that some C-130 aircraft are currently undergoing scheduled maintenance overseas to maintain long-term capability, Aneke said alternative aircraft would be deployed to ensure seamless transportation of materials and personnel.
In addition to logistics, the Air Chief highlighted the NAF's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, which will improve situational awareness and enable early detection of potential threats during the election period.
The force plans to work closely with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to safeguard INEC facilities, collation centers, and key logistics points.Aneke underscored the NAF's apolitical stance and professionalism, noting that its air power provides not only practical transport but also a "psychological assurance" of election integrity.
"We are ready to deploy our capabilities wherever and whenever needed to safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy," he said.Responding to the pledge, INEC Chairman Prof.
Joash Ojo Amupitan commended the Air Force for its past support in elections, including the Anambra and Federal Capital Territory polls, as well as by-elections in Kano and Rivers states.
He stressed the scale of the 2027 elections, covering presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly contests and the need for thorough planning and strong logistics.
Amupitan announced the formation of a joint planning team between INEC and the NAF to coordinate preparations, warning that "failure to plan is planning to fail.
The commitment aligns with the NAF's historical role in supporting electoral logistics across Nigeria's challenging terrain, helping to ensure timely delivery in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
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