The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash O. Amupitan (SAN), has called for sustained collaboration between electoral authorities and security professionals.
Amupitan said this is important so as to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, emphasising that there is a strong link between credible elections and national security,
Amupitan made the remarks on Monday in Abuja while receiving members of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), led by its President, Mike Ejiofor, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters.
The INEC Chairman described the visit as both an honour and an opportunity to deepen institutional cooperation between the electoral body and security experts trained by the institute.
He also noted that the National Institute for Security Studies plays a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s security architecture through the training of senior officers from the Armed Forces, the Police and other security and intelligence agencies.
According to him, the visit also highlights the growing recognition of the link between national security management and the integrity of the electoral process.
Amupitan commended the association for its forthcoming second annual lecture themed “Credible Election and National Security in Nigeria,” describing the topic as timely and critical in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He noted that credible elections remain the bedrock of democracy, stressing that their integrity directly influences national stability, peace and security.
He stressed that safeguarding elections requires strong collaboration among security agencies, policymakers and other stakeholders, particularly during the electoral cycle, to ensure transparency, fairness and safety for voters, election officials and political actors.
Amupitan also praised the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies for its commitment to strengthening the capacity of security professionals across the country. According to him, such efforts are critical in building resilience against threats capable of undermining democratic development.
Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to credible elections, he said INEC would continue to deploy innovative strategies and strengthen partnerships with relevant institutions to improve electoral processes across Nigeria.
He further noted that a secure environment is fundamental to successful elections and to the broader goal of national progress.
The INEC Chairman expressed optimism that the association’s upcoming lecture would generate meaningful discussions and practical recommendations that would further strengthen collaboration between electoral managers and security stakeholders.
“As Nigeria continues to deepen its democratic process, ensuring credible elections remains a foremost priority,” the INEC Chairman said. “These elections are the bedrock of our democracy, and their integrity directly impacts our national security.”
“INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections through innovative approaches and strengthened collaboration,” Amupitan stated.
Ends
Minister inaugurates APC convention media sub-committee
From: Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Monday inaugurated the All Progressives Congress National Convention Media and Publicity sub-committee.
Idris, who is the co-chair of the committee alongside Mr. Tunde Rahman, senior assistant to the president on Media and Special Duties, tasked members on the need for effective messaging.
He stressed that the role of the committee involves ensuring accurate information dissemination, promoting transparency, coordinating media engagement, and projecting the process and outcomes of the convention to Nigerians and the international community.
He pointed out that the assignment of the committee is both strategic and vital.
Inaugurating the Subcommittee for the 2026 National Convention of APC, Idris said: “As you are all aware, this convention is a significant milestone in the life of our great party as we continue to strengthen internal democracy and consolidate our vision for a united, prosperous, and progressive Nigeria.
“The APC administration led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is currently undertaking bold reforms aimed at repositioning our nation for sustainable growth and long-term development in Nigeria.
“As a party, the APC remains committed to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, and this forthcoming convention provides another opportunity to demonstrate our unity, discipline, and shared commitment to national progress.
“The responsibility entrusted to this committee is therefore both strategic and vital. In today’s fast-paced information environment, the success of any major political event depends greatly on how effectively its message is communicated to the public.
“Your role goes beyond publicity; it involves ensuring accurate information dissemination, promoting transparency, coordinating media engagement, and projecting the process and outcomes of the convention to Nigerians and the international community.
“As people who have spent many years in the media and communication and the political arena, I deeply appreciate the experience we are bringing together to deliver on this assignment.”
The Minister therefore “encourage members to approach this assignment with utmost professionalism, creativity, and a strong sense of duty. By leveraging media platforms within our reach, we must ensure that the convention is widely and positively covered, while upholding the highest standards of credibility and integrity.”
The committee’s responsibilities, according to Idris include: Content Creation; Media Relations; Media Planning/Buying; Liaison With other sub-committees for media related engagements; General Report Writing and Documentation (in hard and soft copies); Media Monitoring, Performance Evaluation and Reporting in Print and Audio-visual formats and Administration and Coordination all media activities of the convention