By David Lawani, Abuja
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned that Nigeria’s national security is closely tied to the credibility of its electoral process, stressing that declining voter participation poses an emerging threat to democratic stability.
Speaking at the 2nd Annual Lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, Amupitan said credible elections are essential for sustaining public trust, national cohesion and governance legitimacy.
He noted that voter apathy, if left unchecked, could weaken democratic institutions and create openings for anti-democratic actors seeking to delegitimise governance structures.
“Voter apathy is not just a civic concern; it is a national security issue. When citizens disengage from the electoral process, it creates vulnerabilities that can undermine stability,” he said.
According to him, credible elections and national security are closely interconnected, as transparent processes help reduce post-election tensions and reinforce confidence in leadership outcomes.
“When the electoral process is trusted, citizens are more likely to accept results peacefully. Credible elections, therefore, serve as a stabilising factor in national development,” Amupitan stated.
The INEC chairman identified major threats to electoral credibility, including vote buying, electoral violence, misinformation, digital manipulation and foreign interference, warning that the spread of false information could distort public perception and erode confidence in democratic institutions.
He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to address emerging technological risks such as artificial intelligence-driven propaganda and organised disinformation campaigns capable of influencing voter behaviour.
“Stakeholders must work together to curb misinformation and electoral manipulation. The integrity of the electoral process is fundamental to national peace and democratic continuity,” he added.
Amupitan disclosed that preparations for the 2027 general elections were already underway, with the commission strengthening the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal to improve transparency and reduce irregularities.
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration among security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, urging the adoption of intelligence-led strategies to safeguard voters, electoral personnel and materials.
“Security is both the first and last line of defence in protecting electoral credibility. Effective coordination among agencies is necessary to guarantee peaceful outcomes,” he said.
A former Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, underscored the role of legal and institutional frameworks in sustaining credible elections, noting that adherence to established procedures enhances transparency and strengthens democratic governance.
“Strong institutions and clear legal frameworks help ensure that citizens can exercise their voting rights freely and safely,” Igini said.
President of AANISS, Mike Ejiofor, described credible elections as a fundamental requirement for national stability, noting that flawed polls often generate distrust, tension and political uncertainty.
“Credible elections confer legitimacy, while flawed processes can trigger instability and weaken public confidence in governance,” Ejiofor stated.
Stakeholders at the forum emphasised that strengthening voter participation, improving electoral transparency, and enhancing security coordination remain critical to ensuring peaceful elections that can reinforce Nigeria’s democratic stability ahead of the 2027 polls.
