In a renewed push to safeguard Nigeria’s electoral integrity, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning to political actors, campaign supporters and would-be disruptors against engaging in violence and vote-buying ahead of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council election and a series of bye-elections scheduled for 21 February 2026.
Addressing stakeholders and security chiefs at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Abuja on Friday, Ribadu emphasised that threats to peace and democratic practice will not be tolerated and that security agencies are on high alert to deter and penalise offenders before, during, and after the polls.
Heightened Vigilance Across Multiple States
Ribadu, represented at the forum by the Director of Internal Security at the Office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi, noted that security preparations are intensifying not just in the FCT but also in Rivers and Kano States, where bye-elections are slated to take place concurrently.
“It is our duty to ensure that the democratic process is protected. Individuals and groups planning violent acts or inducements will be identified and dealt with according to the law,” Ribadu declared, urging political parties, candidates and their supporters to uphold decorum and respect the sanctity of the vote.
Security Deployment and Inter-Agency Cooperation
While highlighting the role of the Nigerian Police Force as the lead agency for election security, Ribadu underscored that a multi-agency strategy — including intelligence gathering and targeted deployment of security personnel — is being executed to prevent breaches that could threaten public safety or compromise poll outcomes.
The NSA’s caution follows similar directives issued by election authorities. Just a day earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, called on political parties to mobilise eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while also warning against hate speech, violence and vote-buying.
Lessons From Recent Elections
Ribadu also pointed to the relative calm during the Anambra governorship election in late 2025 as evidence that coordinated efforts between security agencies and election officials can deliver credible and peaceful outcomes. He described that exercise as a benchmark for upcoming polls and urged continued vigilance through continuous voter registration and revalidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Call for Shared Responsibility
In his remarks, Ribadu extended the responsibility for peaceful elections beyond security agencies to include the media, civil society groups and community leaders, emphasising that safeguarding democracy is a collective effort. “Everybody has a role to play — from citizens who report suspicious activities to organisations that shape public opinion,” he said.
Security Assurances
Assurances from security leadership were reiterated when the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, represented by a senior police officer at the meeting, pledged enhanced protection for INEC facilities, personnel and materials, stressing that such measures are intended to allow electoral officials to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
