The Nigerian Air Force has airlifted sensitive electoral materials for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election and a series of senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled for June 20.
The NAF said it carried out the operation between June 15 and 16 at the request of the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure the secure and timely transportation of sensitive election materials from Abuja to designated locations across the country.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the operation supported preparations for the Ekiti governorship election and senatorial by-elections in Enugu North Senatorial District, Nasarawa North Senatorial District and Rivers South East Senatorial District.
The exercise also covered federal constituency by-elections in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State and Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency in Kebbi State.
Ejodame said the Air Force deployed its strategic airlift assets to move the materials from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport 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 said.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the personnel involved for their professionalism and dedication.
“The successful airlift underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development,” Aneke said.
He added that the Air Force remained prepared to provide “timely and effective support to civil authorities in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities while maintaining a high level of operational readiness in defence of the nation.”
According to the statement, the operation reflects the longstanding partnership between the NAF and INEC in protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Ejodame said the timely delivery of sensitive election materials remains essential to conducting credible polls and 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 said.
He added that the operation demonstrated the versatility of NAF air power in advancing national objectives while sustaining ongoing defence operations across the country.
A total of 13 political parties are expected to participate in the Ekiti governorship election, which will take place across the state’s 117 registration areas and more than 2,000 polling units in its 16 local government areas.