INEC warns of plot to threaten and kidnap election workers ahead of 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned of an alleged plot to threaten, intimidate and abduct temporary election workers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
What INEC said
Speaking in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday, 6 November 2026, during a North Central zonal readiness assessment, INEC chairman Professor Joash Amupitan said intelligence-led operations carried out with the Department of State Services (DSS) had led to the arrest of key suspects, who have since been charged in court. He warned that anyone who interferes with or harms election workers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. He did not give details of the suspects or the charges.
Warning to staff
Amupitan also warned electoral officers against negligence and political bias, saying neutrality at local level would directly affect public trust in the elections. He said credible elections cannot be achieved through last-minute arrangements, and that INEC is working with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to tackle threats early.
Background
INEC expects to manage more than 103 million registered voters across 176,846 polling units in 2027. The commission relies on hundreds of thousands of ad hoc staff, many of them members of the National Youth Service Corps, to run polling units, and attacks on election workers and offices have been a concern in past elections. This week INEC has also faced questions about about 1.5 million questionable entries found in the voter register, and disowned a fake poster about the ADC's leadership.
What happens next
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 16 January 2027.
- INEC says suspects have been arrested and charged.
- Amupitan warned officials against political bias.
- More than 103 million voters are expected to be registered.

