By David Lawani, Abuja
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN), on Monday underscored the strong connection between credible elections and national security as he received members of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) on a courtesy visit to the Commission.
The delegation, led by the association’s president, Mike Ejiofor, visited the INEC headquarters in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between electoral authorities and the nation’s security community.
Welcoming the delegation, Amupitan commended the National Institute for Security Studies for its long-standing contribution to Nigeria’s security framework through the training of senior officers from the Armed Forces, the Police, and intelligence agencies.
He described the institute as a critical institution in building the professional capacity of personnel responsible for safeguarding the country.
“Institutions like the National Institute for Security Studies play a significant role in strengthening national stability by equipping security professionals with the knowledge required to confront emerging threats,” Amupitan said.
The INEC chairman also highlighted the theme of the association’s forthcoming second annual lecture, “Credible Election and National Security in Nigeria,” describing it as both timely and important to Nigeria’s democratic growth.
According to him, credible elections remain the foundation of a stable democratic system and a key factor in maintaining peace across the country.
“Credible elections are fundamental to democracy, and they play a decisive role in sustaining national stability and peace,” he stated.
Amupitan noted that the integrity of the electoral process is closely linked to the country’s security environment, stressing that collaboration among electoral bodies, security agencies and policymakers is essential for the conduct of transparent and peaceful elections.
“As Nigeria continues to deepen its democratic process, ensuring credible elections remains a foremost priority,” he said.
He added that transparent electoral processes strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and reinforce the legitimacy of governance.
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening the electoral system through innovation and cooperation with relevant stakeholders, particularly security agencies whose role is vital in maintaining order during elections.
“Our collaboration with security institutions is indispensable in guaranteeing free, fair and secure elections across the country,” he said.
Amupitan also praised the AANISS for its dedication to promoting professionalism within Nigeria’s security sector, describing its activities as essential to protecting democratic values.
He expressed optimism that the association’s upcoming annual lecture would stimulate deeper conversations on the relationship between credible elections and national security in Nigeria.
The visit ended with a call for sustained cooperation between electoral authorities and security institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process and preserve national stability.
