By Anayo Akwitti
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated its Electoral Logistics Committee for the 2027 general election, with a charge to ensure the timely, secure and efficient movement of election materials across the country.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, gave the charge on Thursday, during the inauguration of the committee according to a statement by the commission.
Amupitan said the commission was beginning preparations early because election logistics involved the complex movement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials by road, air and sea.
He said the committee would assess the commission’s logistics requirements, develop plans for the storage and distribution of election materials, and examine the readiness of warehouses, vehicles, airports, seaports and other transport facilities.
The committee is also expected to identify operational gaps, recommend corrective measures, address security threats and transportation challenges, and ensure that election materials reach all parts of the country on time.
The INEC chairman urged members to demonstrate commitment and coordinate effectively with relevant government agencies, transport unions, the commission’s state offices and other stakeholders.
He noted that Nigeria’s diverse geographical conditions, ranging from the creeks of the Niger Delta to the arid areas of the North, required a flexible and resilient logistics plan.
According to him, the commission must anticipate weather conditions, difficult terrain and security challenges to prevent delays in the delivery of election materials.
“We must anticipate the weather, the terrain and the security environment to ensure that no Nigerian is disenfranchised due to late arrival of materials,” Amupitan said.
He described preparations for the 2027 general election as a long-term process requiring careful planning and sustained commitment.
“The 2027 general election is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said, adding that the inauguration of the committee was a foundation for a transparent, efficient and credible election.
