NAF airlifts sensitive electoral materials for Ekiti guber polls, by-elections (Photos)

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully airlifted sensitive electoral materials for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election and a series of senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled to hold on June 20, 2026.

According to the NAF, the operation was carried out between June 15 and 16 following a request from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee the secure and timely delivery 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, said the airlift operation formed part of preparations for the Ekiti governorship poll 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.

Ejodame noted that the mission underscores the Air Force’s commitment to supporting democratic processes by providing critical logistics assistance to electoral authorities, particularly in the movement of sensitive election materials.

He added that the collaboration between the NAF and INEC reflects ongoing efforts to ensure credible, peaceful and well-coordinated elections across the country.

The by-elections and governorship poll are expected to take place on June 20, with electoral officials intensifying preparations ahead of the exercise.

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

Ejodame said the NAF deployed its airlift capabilities to transport the 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 said.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended personnel involved in the operation 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 NAF remained ready 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.”

INEC materials and Nigeria Air Force inspecting the election materials. Photo: NAF

According to the statement, the operation highlights the longstanding partnership between the NAF and INEC in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

Ejodame noted that timely delivery of sensitive electoral materials remained critical to conducting credible elections and enhancing 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 mission demonstrated the versatility of NAF air power in advancing national objectives while sustaining ongoing operations across different theatres in defence of the country.

Very Nigerian reports that 13 political parties in Ekiti State to contest its off-cycle state governorship elections, which are scheduled to hold on June 20, 2026, across the state’s 117 registration areas/wards and over 2,000 designated polling units in the 16 local government areas of the state.