With less than 72 hours to the Ekiti State Governorship Election, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully airlifted sensitive electoral materials for the poll and several senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled for June 20, 2026.
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 sensitive election materials to designated locations across the country.
According to the NAF, the mission covered materials for the Ekiti governorship election, senatorial by-elections in Enugu North Senatorial District, Nasarawa North Senatorial District and Rivers South East Senatorial District, as well as federal constituency by-elections in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State and Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency of Kebbi State.
The materials were transported from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers and Kano states, ensuring they arrived ahead of Saturday’s polls.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the successful operation underscored the Air Force’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development.
“The successful airlift underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development,” Aneke said.
He reaffirmed the NAF’s readiness to continue providing timely and effective support to civil authorities while maintaining a high level of operational readiness in defence of the nation.
The Air Force noted that the mission forms part of its constitutional Aid to Civil Authority responsibilities and reflects its longstanding partnership with INEC in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to the service, the timely delivery of sensitive electoral materials remains critical to ensuring credible elections 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,” the statement added.
NAF also stressed that the operation demonstrated the versatility of its air power capabilities, enabling it to support critical national assignments while simultaneously sustaining ongoing operations across multiple theatres in defence of the country.
The successful airlift, the Air Force said, reinforces its commitment to national service and its role as a dependable partner in advancing Nigeria’s democratic and developmental aspirations.
