By Kassim Omomia

The Nigeria Air Force and Election Management Board have struck a deal that will facilitate easy distribution of election materials for the Osun, Ekiti governorship elections holding this year and the 2023 general polls.

By the new pact entered yesterday between the two top government agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, will rely on the Nigeria Air Force to distribute electoral materials across the country.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu who is also seeking NAF personnel support, said during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao at the Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF) Abuja, that he was requesting the Air Force assistance in handling the delivery of outstanding election materials for the Governorship Elections holding in Ekiti and Osun States in June and July 2022, as well as the 2023 general polls to ease logistics challenges previously associated with election management.

Yakubu noted that his visit is basically aimed at exploring ways of ensuring effective collaborative efforts with other stakeholders to address issues related to poor electoral logistics management, which the Force has a critical role to play.

“This will be extended to other Armed Services in our determination to efficiently deliver materials and more efficiently serve Nigerians on Election Day”, he said.

The Election Umpire disclosed that the law empowers the Commission to seek the support of security agencies and especially the Armed Forces in delivering materials for election and protection of election officials.

Prof. Yakubu commended the Force for its neutrality and professionalism, adding that the collaboration has been of tremendous benefit to the electoral process and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.

However, in his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao assured the INEC Chairman of the readiness of the NAF to provide transport aircraft to enable prompt movement of electoral materials during the 2023 general elections.

Amao commended INEC for stabilizing the electoral process in Nigeria.

“As the electioneering season gradually picks up, we are aware of the need to coordinate movement of INEC logistics such as election materials and staff to remote areas preparatory to the forthcoming general election in February 2023. I believe further liaison with us is necessary to enable us incorporate INEC activities in our operational plans“, he said.

The CAF also stated that the NAF would continue to render all necessary assistance and support to make INEC more efficient in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

He therefore directed that a Committee comprising INEC and NAF personnel be constituted to coordinate airlift of electoral materials and other logistics movement to ensure a hitch free electioneering exercise.

End