NAF Airlifts Sensitive Electoral Materials for Ekiti Governorship Poll, Nationwide By-Elections
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully completed the airlift of sensitive electoral materials for the forthcoming 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election and a series of senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled to hold on June 20, reaffirming its strategic role in supporting democratic governance and national institutions.
The operation, conducted between June 15 and 16, followed a request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for secure and timely transportation of electoral materials from Abuja to designated locations across the country.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the mission formed part of the Service’s constitutional Aid to Civil Authority responsibilities aimed at strengthening governance and national stability.
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The airlift operation supported preparations for the Ekiti State Governorship Election, as well as senatorial by-elections in Enugu North Senatorial District, Nasarawa North Senatorial District and Rivers South East Senatorial District. It also covered federal constituency by-elections in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State and Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency of Kebbi State.
Leveraging its strategic air mobility assets, the NAF transported the sensitive materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers and Kano States, ensuring delivery within INEC’s operational timeline ahead of the polls.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication, describing the successful mission as another demonstration of the Air Force’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development.
He reiterated the Service’s readiness to continue providing timely and effective support to civil authorities while maintaining operational readiness to defend the nation.
The Air Force noted that the operation reflects its longstanding partnership with INEC in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, stressing that timely delivery of sensitive materials remains essential to credible elections and sustaining public confidence in democratic institutions.
NAF added that the successful mission further highlights the versatility of its air power capabilities in advancing critical national objectives while sustaining ongoing security operations across multiple theatres nationwide.