The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has transported sensitive electoral materials for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election and several senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled for June 20.
According to the Air Force, the operation was carried out between June 15 and 16 following a request from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the timely and secure delivery of the materials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the airlift operation covered the Ekiti governorship election as well as senatorial by-elections in Enugu North Senatorial District, Nasarawa North Senatorial District and Rivers South East Senatorial District.
The exercise also included federal constituency by-elections in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State and Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency in Kebbi State.
Ejodame explained that the Air Force deployed its aircraft to move the sensitive materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers and Kano states.
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He noted that the materials were delivered to INEC within the required timeline ahead of the elections.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, represented by Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended personnel involved in the mission for their professionalism and commitment.
He said the successful operation reflected the Air Force’s dedication to supporting democratic institutions and national development.
“The successful airlift underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development,” he said.
He added that the Air Force remained committed to providing support to civil authorities while maintaining operational readiness in defence of the country.
Ejodame stated that the operation further demonstrated the strong collaboration between the Air Force and INEC in ensuring credible elections and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process.
He noted that the mission also highlighted the importance of air power in achieving national objectives while sustaining security operations across the country.
Meanwhile, 13 political parties are expected to participate in the Ekiti governorship election, which will be held across the state’s 117 wards and more than 2,000 polling units spread across its 16 local government areas.
