LAGOS/Nigeria: Military personnel have been urged to maintain strict political neutrality before, during and after Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with the Nigerian Army stressing the need for security agencies to uphold professionalism and constitutional responsibilities.
Commander, Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Adereti, gave the warning on Tuesday while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at a sensitisation lecture on the conduct of Armed Forces personnel during the 2027 elections.
The three-day lecture, which began on September 1 at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, Apapa, Lagos, brought together personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies involved in election security.
Adereti said the increasingly complex security environment surrounding elections required personnel to exercise sound judgment, maintain discipline and work closely with other agencies while remaining faithful to the Constitution.
He identified political polarisation, violent extremism, organised crime, cyber threats, misinformation and technology-enabled manipulation among the challenges capable of heightening tensions during the electoral period.
He also cautioned security personnel against the effects of hate speech, fake news, inflammatory statements and coordinated attempts to provoke them during election-related operations.
According to him, security agencies must respond to such threats through intelligence-led planning, effective communication, inter-agency cooperation and disciplined conduct.
Adereti said the Armed Forces must remain a stabilising institution whose conduct would reinforce public confidence in the country’s democratic process.
He specifically warned personnel against being drawn into partisan controversies or engaging in activities that could create the impression that they support a particular political party or candidate.
“Neutrality must be absolute, visible and sustained before, during and after the elections,” he said.
He added that every deployment must be based on lawful authority, clearly defined responsibilities and approved rules of engagement, with fundamental human rights respected at all times.
The Army commander further emphasised that the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security and maintenance of public order, while the Armed Forces and other security organisations provide support within their constitutional and lawful mandates.
He said effective election security would depend largely on a common sense of purpose, mutual respect and seamless cooperation among the various agencies.
Adereti described the sensitisation programme as part of the professional development required to prepare personnel for the demands of election-related operations.
He said the exercise was also consistent with the professional military vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, particularly the objective of developing a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.
The commander commended the leadership of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, for involving sister services and other security agencies in the programme.
He said the participation of personnel from different institutions would promote a better understanding of their respective responsibilities and strengthen professional relationships before operational deployments.
According to him, no single security institution can independently address the security challenges associated with a national election.
He urged personnel to demonstrate professionalism when confronted with pressure, uncertainty or provocation, saying their conduct would ultimately determine public confidence in the security institutions.
Also speaking, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, said the sensitisation programme would strengthen professional cooperation and improve understanding of constitutional responsibilities, the rule of law and inter-agency operations.
Babalola reminded officers and soldiers that the Armed Forces derives its authority from the Constitution and remains subject to constitutionally established civil authority.
He therefore urged commanders to ensure that every personnel deployed for election duties understands the limits of his or her authority and complies with lawful directives, rules of engagement and the military code of conduct.
The GOC particularly stressed the need for personnel to understand the legal requirements governing arrest, use of force, treatment of civilians and protection of fundamental rights during election-related operations.
He similarly acknowledged the Nigeria Police Force as the primary agency for maintaining public safety during elections, with the Armed Forces and other security agencies providing support within their assigned responsibilities.
Babalola expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for the strategic guidance and support provided to the division.
The sensitisation lecture is expected to provide participating personnel with a common understanding of their roles and responsibilities as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
