2027 elections: INEC raises alarm over alleged plot to kidnap electoral workers

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned of an alleged plot targeting ad hoc personnel with threats, intimidation, and abductions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Lokoja during a North Central zonal operational readiness assessment and staff engagement, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan disclosed that intelligence-led operations conducted with the Department of State Services (DSS) resulted in the arrest of key suspects, who have since been arraigned in court. He warned that anyone interfering with or harming election workers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Amupitan also warned electoral officers against administrative negligence and political bias, noting that local-level neutrality will directly impact public trust in the 2027 polls.

“Credible elections cannot be achieved through last-minute arrangements,” Amupitan stated, adding that INEC is coordinating with security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to neutralize emerging security threats early.

The commission expects to manage over 103 million registered voters across 176,846 polling units nationwide for the 2027 elections.