Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the Service’s readiness to provide nationwide airlift and comprehensive security support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

On his part, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, urged political parties to do more than offer free nomination forms to women.

It advised political parties and their candidates to ensure that their campaign activities comply strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 as well as the commission’s regulations guiding political parties and electioneering.

The Air Chief made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

He said the Air Force had consistently played a critical role in ensuring the timely delivery of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials across Nigeria.

According to him, while some of the NAF C-130 aircraft are undergoing scheduled maintenance abroad, the force would deploy alternative aircraft to guarantee uninterrupted movement of election materials and personnel.

He said: “The relationship between the Nigerian Air Force and INEC has long been anchored on our shared commitment to national stability, professionalism, and the rule of law. The Nigerian Air Force considers its partnership with the Commission as an important contribution to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

“This engagement, therefore, provides an opportunity to further deepen the existing collaboration between both institutions and reaffirm our collective resolve to support the successful conduct of elections across the country, which is closely tied to effective security arrangements and efficient logistics management.”

Beyond airlift, the Air Chief highlighted the Air Force’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, which will enhance situational awareness and support early detection of potential security threats during the electoral period.

To ensure meaningful female participation in elections, Amupitan maintained that internal barriers and glass ceilings within parties must be removed.

He raised concerns at INEC’s 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Abuja, yesterday.

Amupitan said the Electoral Act 2026 and the Commission’s new guidelines would see unprecedented scrutiny of party primaries.

According to him, a primary that systematically excludes women is a primary that fails the test of our new regulatory standards, stating that there must be internal democracy that caters to women too.

“To the political parties, the Commission, which is your regulator and a custodian of our democratic integrity, believes it is no longer enough to offer free nomination forms to women while maintaining glass ceilings in your inner caucuses.

“Under the Electoral Act 2026 and our new Guidelines, INEC will be scrutinising the inclusivity of party primaries like never before,” he said.
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HIS comes as INEC announced that political campaigns for the 2026 governorship election will officially begin today.

INEC said this is in accordance with the commission’s approved timetable and schedule of activities.

The electoral body disclosed this in a press statement signed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Mutiu Agboke, and issued by Musa Olurode, the Osun INEC Public Affairs Officer, yesterday.

The commission noted that the commencement of campaigns marks the beginning of open political activities by parties and candidates ahead of the governorship poll slated for August 15, 2026.

“INEC advises political parties and their candidates to ensure that their campaign activities comply strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 as well as the commission’s regulations guiding political parties and electioneering activities.

All participants in the political process are expected to maintain decorum throughout the campaign period and avoid actions capable of threatening public peace across the state,” he added.