NAF Airlifts Sensitive Materials Ahead of Ekiti Election, By-Polls

The Nigerian Air Force successfully airlifted sensitive electoral materials ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election and several senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled for June 20, 2026, in an exercise carried out between June 15 and 16 at the request of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

NAF spokesperson confirmed the operation moved ballot papers, result sheets, and other sensitive materials from central distribution points to designated locations across Ekiti State ahead of polling day. The airlift forms part of the broader logistical framework INEC has built with security agencies to ensure materials arrive safely and on schedule.

Logistics Tested Amid Turbulent Pre-Election Period

The exercise comes at the end of a particularly turbulent pre-election period for Ekiti, which saw a workers strike, allegations of detained PDP members, voter inducement complaints, and a court order barring vote-buying within 48 hours of polling. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Samuel Hart said all logistical preparations remained on schedule despite the disruptions.

Military involvement in electoral logistics has become a standard feature of Nigerian elections, particularly for materials requiring secure and rapid transport to remote or contested areas. Officials say air transport reduces the risk of tampering or delay that can occur with road convoys travelling through areas affected by insecurity.

Final Preparations Reach Completion

INEC confirmed earlier this week that 675 journalists and 98 observer groups had been accredited for the Ekiti poll, reflecting heightened national and international scrutiny following the ADC deregistration controversy. The commission said its final round of party agent accreditation across all 16 local government areas had also been completed. With materials now airlifted into place, security agencies say their full deployment plan, including police, civil defence, and Amotekun officers, will activate from the eve of the election through results announcement.