The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process through strengthened collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Air Marshal Aneke gave the assurance on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of INEC, Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, where he congratulated him on his appointment in October 2025 and commended the Commission’s reforms aimed at improving transparency, inclusiveness and operational efficiency in the country’s electoral system.
The CAS noted that as Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria’s democratic resilience depends largely on credible institutions such as INEC, whose mandate is central to ensuring that citizens freely exercise their sovereign right to choose their leaders.
Highlighting the longstanding partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and INEC, Aneke said the Air Force has remained a dependable partner in supporting electoral operations across the country.
He explained that the NAF has consistently provided strategic airlift support for the movement and distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials, as well as the rapid deployment of electoral personnel, particularly to remote and difficult-to-access locations.
The CAS assured the Commission that the Air Force is making arrangements to provide aircraft to support INEC’s logistics operations during elections.
He further disclosed that the NAF is also positioning its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities to enhance situational awareness during elections and stands ready to collaborate with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, in protecting INEC facilities, collation centres and other critical electoral infrastructure.
Aneke added that the Nigerian Air Force remains fully prepared to deploy its capabilities to support a secure electoral environment through strengthened inter-agency coordination and joint preparatory engagements ahead of future elections.
Responding, the INEC Chairman, Amupitan, expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the Nigerian Air Force for its longstanding support to the Commission, particularly in the areas of security and logistics.
He noted that the NAF’s airlift capabilities and operational support have continued to play a crucial role in ensuring the timely movement of electoral materials and personnel across the country, thereby contributing significantly to the successful conduct of elections.
Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to sustaining strong collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to further strengthen the credibility, transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
