The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday rejected the routine deployment of troops of the armed forces during elections, saying the Force should remain exceptional.
The electoral body specifically said the deployment of the military should arise only where prevailing security conditions require armed forces’ support in aid of the civil authorities.
The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who spoke through the Director of Legal at the Commission, Al-Hassan Umar stated this at Army War College, Abuja while delivering a keynote address at a seminar.
According to the INEC chairman, the Constitution clearly defines the roles of institutions involved in election management, arguing that the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security.
The electoral body boss said, “As both a teacher and practitioner of the law, permit me to begin by reaffirming the constitutional framework governing election security in Nigeria.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly delineates the responsibilities of institutions involved in the electoral process.
“INEC is constitutionally mandated to organise, undertake and supervise elections, while the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security under the framework of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
“The role of the Armed Forces is exceptional rather than routine. Their deployment arises only where prevailing security conditions require military support in aid of the civil authorities and strictly in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.”
