INEC materials and Nigeria Air Force inspecting the election materials.
As preparations intensify for the Ekiti State Governorship Election and several crucial by-elections across the country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has once again demonstrated its vital role in supporting Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a carefully coordinated operation carried out between June 15 and 16, 2026, the NAF successfully transported sensitive electoral materials from Abuja to various parts of the country, ensuring that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) received the materials well ahead of the scheduled June 20 elections.
The mission, conducted at INEC’s request, highlights the growing importance of inter-agency collaboration in delivering credible and transparent elections.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the operation relied on the Air Force’s strategic airlift capabilities to guarantee timely delivery.
“Leveraging its strategic airlift capabilities, the NAF transported the sensitive electoral materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers, and Kano States, ensuring that INEC received the materials within the stipulated timeline ahead of the elections,” he stated.
The airlift operation extended beyond the Ekiti governorship election. It also covered senatorial by-elections in Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South East, as well as federal constituency by-elections in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa in Kano State and Zuru/Shanga in Kebbi State.
Commending the personnel involved, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, praised their professionalism and dedication to national service.
According to him, “the successful airlift underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development.”
He further assured Nigerians that the Air Force remains committed to providing “timely and effective support to civil authorities” while maintaining operational readiness to defend the nation.
The successful operation once again underscores the longstanding partnership between INEC and the Nigerian Air Force. Timely delivery of sensitive electoral materials remains one of the critical factors in ensuring smooth election logistics, reducing delays, and boosting public confidence in the electoral process.
Ejodame emphasized this point, noting that the mission further demonstrates the Air Force’s important contribution to strengthening democratic institutions and national development.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti governorship election is expected to be highly competitive, with 13 political parties participating in the race. Voting will take place across all 16 local government areas of the state, covering 117 registration areas and more than 2,000 polling units.
As Nigerians prepare to head to the polls, the NAF’s latest operation serves as a reminder that safeguarding democracy goes beyond security—it also requires efficiency, coordination, and unwavering institutional support.
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