Amupitan said effective logistics management was central to credible elections, noting that delays in the movement of personnel and materials could undermine the smooth conduct of the electoral process
By Mmesoma Onwuka
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up preparations for the 2027 General Election with the inauguration of an inter-agency committee to address logistics challenges and ensure the timely delivery of electoral materials nationwide.
The Electoral Logistics Committee (ELOC) was inaugurated by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The committee is expected to develop a coordinated logistics strategy for transporting, securing, distributing and retrieving electoral materials, as well as deploying election personnel across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration, Amupitan said effective logistics management was central to credible elections, noting that delays in the movement of personnel and materials could undermine the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
He said the commission was strengthening its operational planning ahead of the 2027 polls to ensure that all necessary materials reached their designated locations within the approved schedules.
The INEC chairman named Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (Rtd.) as chairperson of the committee, expressing confidence that the participation of military and paramilitary institutions and other relevant agencies would strengthen coordination and improve operational preparedness.
He said the committee would examine the commission’s logistics needs and develop a comprehensive framework covering storage facilities, transportation arrangements, distribution networks and the recovery of electoral materials after voting.
Its mandate also includes inspecting warehouses, vehicles, airports, seaports and other transportation facilities to determine their readiness for election operations.
The committee will identify gaps in existing arrangements, recommend corrective measures and monitor compliance with approved logistics plans and schedules.
Amupitan added that it would assess potential risks, including transportation bottlenecks, shortages of electoral materials and security threats, while coordinating with relevant government agencies, transport unions, INEC departments and state offices.
He reaffirmed the commission’s determination to ensure that no eligible voter was denied the opportunity to vote because of delays in the arrival of election materials.
In her response, Malafa described logistics as a fundamental component of democratic elections, saying efficient planning and execution were essential to protecting electoral integrity and sustaining public confidence.
She said the committee would draw on experiences from previous elections to identify weaknesses and develop practical solutions to recurring operational challenges.
Malafa identified strategic air and cargo arrangements, transportation coordination, security planning and risk mapping as major areas of focus.
She explained that the committee would coordinate the movement of electoral personnel and materials to state capitals and local government areas, including riverine communities where maritime transportation would be required.
According to her, difficult terrains, security-challenged areas and locations vulnerable to crises would be mapped to guide the deployment of appropriate transportation and security resources.
She stressed that the committee’s success would depend on effective collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, transport unions, aviation and maritime authorities, and INEC state offices.
Malafa urged members to demonstrate patriotism, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility in carrying out their assignment, noting that effective logistics planning would be crucial to the successful conduct of the 2027 General Election.