NAF Airlifts Sensitive Election Materials Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Poll, Key By-Elections

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully airlifted sensitive electoral materials for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election and several senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled for June 20, reinforcing efforts to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.

The operation, conducted between June 15 and 16, followed a request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the secure and timely transportation of election materials from Abuja to designated locations across the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed that the airlift operation covered preparations for the Ekiti governorship election as well as senatorial by-elections in the Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, Nasarawa North Senatorial District of Nasarawa State, and Rivers South East Senatorial District of Rivers State.

The operation also supported federal constituency by-elections in the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State and the Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency of Kebbi State.

According to Ejodame, the NAF deployed its strategic airlift assets to transport the sensitive materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers, and Kano states.

“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 Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to national service.

“The successful airlift underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development,” Aneke said.

He reaffirmed the Air Force’s readiness to continue providing timely support to civil authorities while maintaining operational effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s security.

The statement noted that the successful mission reflects the longstanding partnership between the NAF and INEC in ensuring the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Ejodame emphasized that the prompt delivery of sensitive election materials remains vital to the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, while also strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.

“The successful completion of the mission further highlights the NAF’s critical role in supporting national institutions and strengthening democratic processes,” he added.

He further noted that the operation demonstrated the versatility of NAF air power in advancing national objectives while sustaining ongoing defence operations across various theatres nationwide.

Meanwhile, preparations are in top gear for the Ekiti State governorship election, where 13 political parties are expected to participate in the off-cycle poll scheduled to hold across the state’s 117 wards and more than 2,000 polling units spread across its 16 local government areas.