2027: INEC inaugurates logistics committee, names Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq chairperson

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated its Electoral Logistics Committee (ELOC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, with retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq named as chairperson.

The committee is mandated to ensure the timely, secure and efficient distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials across the country, with a focus on difficult terrain, security-challenged areas and locations prone to transport bottlenecks.

Speaking at the inauguration at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan said logistics remained one of the most critical pillars of the electoral process, noting that successful elections depended largely on the availability of materials at polling units at the appointed time.

He said the early constitution of the committee was a proactive measure to address the complexities of transporting election materials by road, air and sea.

He added that the committee would adopt a multi-agency approach involving the military, paramilitary institutions, security agencies and transport organisations.

According to him, its terms of reference include assessing logistical requirements for the 2027 elections, preparing plans for the storage, distribution, deployment and retrieval of election materials, and auditing the readiness of warehouses, vehicles, airports, seaports and other facilities.

The committee will also identify logistical gaps, monitor compliance with approved delivery schedules and develop strategies to address transport challenges and security threats.

The INEC chairman said Nigeria’s diverse geography, from the creeks of the Niger Delta to arid northern regions, required flexible and resilient logistics arrangements, adding that no Nigerian should be disenfranchised because of the late arrival of election materials.

In her remarks, Abubakar-Sadiq, the National Electoral Commissioner in charge of security, described election logistics as the operational foundation of the democratic process.

She said the committee would develop a strategic logistics plan drawing on lessons from previous elections, identify vulnerabilities and establish mechanisms for seamless deployment.

Areas of focus include strategic airlift and cargo planning, coordination of land and maritime transportation, identification of operational bottlenecks, and mapping of difficult and high-risk locations.

She said the committee would propose transportation and security arrangements for high-risk areas and submit a report containing recommendations and timelines.

She also proposed the creation of specialised subcommittees for airlift, land transportation, maritime transportation, storage and security, where necessary.

She said the Central Bank of Nigeria would receive, store and distribute sensitive materials through its branch network, adding that cooperation among relevant agencies would be critical to the committee’s success.

The inauguration was attended by INEC national commissioners, representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs, and officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Nigerian Ports Authority.

Representatives of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, maritime workers and other transport and security institutions were also present.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was represented by Commissioner of Police Dr Abayomi Shogunle.