2027: Bandits planning to kidnap corpers, disrupt polls - INEC chairman raises alarm

Professor Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has issued a warning about a potential plot by bandits to kidnap and intimidate election staff members ahead of the 2027 general election. During a speech at Chatham House in London, Amupitan revealed that intelligence gathered by INEC indicated that criminal groups were plotting to threaten and abduct ad-hoc electoral personnel, particularly National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who would be recruited for the polls.

The security threat was uncovered through INEC's intelligence-driven operations, leading to the arrest of the alleged masterminds, who have since been taken to court through the Department of State Services (DSS). Amupitan emphasized that anyone who threatens, attacks, or harms electoral personnel will face severe consequences, as INEC remains committed to protecting the safety of its staff and deployed workers.

The INEC chairman stressed that the organization will not compromise the security of its personnel, especially the young corps members who will be deployed across the country for the election. To counter emerging threats, INEC has strengthened its partnership with security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). This collaborative effort aims to identify and address potential risks before election day.

Amupitan highlighted that the credibility of the 2027 election will hinge heavily on the neutrality, professionalism, and dedication of electoral personnel, particularly those operating at the grassroots level. He cautioned against partisan conduct and administrative negligence among election officials, warning that any violation of electoral rules would result in appropriate sanctions.