The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 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 operation, conducted between June 15 and 16, was carried out at the request of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure 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 mission covered preparations for the Ekiti governorship election as well as senatorial by-elections in Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, Nasarawa North Senatorial District of Nasarawa State, and Rivers South East Senatorial District of Rivers State.
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 strategic airlift capabilities to transport the materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in 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.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, 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,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Air Force’s readiness to continue providing timely and effective support to civil authorities while maintaining operational readiness in defence of the country.
According to Ejodame, the exercise highlights the longstanding partnership between the NAF and INEC in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
He noted that the timely delivery of sensitive election materials remains essential to conducting credible elections and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.
The Ekiti governorship election is scheduled to take place across the state’s 16 local government areas, 117 wards and more than 2,000 polling units, with 13 political parties expected to participate.
