2027: CDS Tasks Armed Forces On Neutrality, Says Personnel Conduct Ensured Incident-Free Off-Cycle Polls
2027: CDS Tasks Armed Forces On Neutrality, Says Personnel Conduct Ensured Incident-Free Off-Cycle Polls
Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede has told members of armed forces to remain neutral ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also recalled that the professional conduct of personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces contributed to the seamless and incident-free off-cycle elections in states.
He stated this on Thursday at a one-day seminar organised by the Defence Headquarters with the theme, “The Role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel in Conducting Free, Fair and Credible Elections: The 2027 General Elections in Perspective.”
Oluyede said the seminar was timely considering the security challenges bedeviling the nation and the need to create an enabling environment for the smooth conduct of the 2027 General Elections.
The CDS represented by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye said the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is saddled with a distinct and clear mandate to suppress insurrection and provide aid to civil authority when called upon.
This he said the Armed Forces of Nigeria has continuously acted within the confines of this provision, projecting its professionalism and operational readiness in the conduct of its engagements.
“As we approach the electioneering period, with a steady increase in political activities, it is imperative that the Armed Forces of Nigeria personnel are constantly reminded of their roles to ensure the maintenance of strict neutrality, professionalism and adherence to International Human Rights provisions. I am certain that this seminar will distinctly align Field Commanders and Staff Officers to their roles, as well as reiterate the importance of adhering to the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for the conduct of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027,”.
The Defence Chief noted that past elections have attempted to test inter-agency coordination, civil-military relations and operational readiness through the activities of some unscrupulous elements.
However, he noted that their unflinching resolve and unalloyed commitment to securing the nation has always protected the integrity of our country and the democratic process.
He reiterated that personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria played a vital role in the just concluded off-cycle and by-elections in Ekiti, Kano, Kebbi, Rivers, Nasarawa, Enugu and Ondo States.
“The professional conduct of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria contributed to the seamless and incident-free elections witnessed within these states. I expect that the lessons from these previous elections will be brought to the fore in order to refine and strengthen inter-agency cooperation, ensure rapid response and protection of law-abiding citizens while remaining apolitical”.
Oluyede described the seminar timely and critical to re-emphasize the non-negotiable stance of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on adherence to the principles of impartiality, neutrality and respect for human rights.
“I must also mention unequivocally that the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 will not only be measured by the absence of violence or disruption of the electoral process, but also by adherence to basic principles and respect for human rights.
“I therefore urge Commanders, Staff Officers and other participants here today to equip themselves, as a key takeaway from this seminar, with all the requisite knowledge to operate in a rapidly changing and high-threat environment for improved national stability,” he said.
End.
