2027: No plan to militarise elections – Nigeria’s Defence Intelligence chief

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, has assured foreign defence advisers and attaches in Nigeria that the Federal Government is prepared to conduct peaceful and transparent elections in 2027.

Undiandeye gave the assurance while speaking at the third-quarter operational briefing for foreign Defence Advisers and Defence Attaches in Abuja, where he also dismissed allegations that the government was planning to militarise the 2027 general elections or undermine the electoral process.

The Defence Intelligence chief described such claims as unfounded and urged foreign military representatives to help counter misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media about Nigeria’s security situation and the forthcoming elections.

Defence Intelligence chief dismisses militarisation claims

Undiandeye said the government was willing and capable of conducting the 2027 elections peacefully and in accordance with internationally acceptable standards.

“The message I want you (DAs and Attaches) to take home is that this government is prepared, willing and capable of conducting elections peacefully, transparently and in accordance with internationally acceptable standards,” he said.

“There are no plans to militarise or undermine our electoral process. We shall not do so. All those rants on social media remain what they are, rants.”

He stressed that the military had no intention of taking over or controlling the electoral process, noting that its responsibility would be limited to providing security and logistical support during the elections.

“The military does not intend to take over or control Nigeria’s electoral process,” he said.

According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission would remain responsible for conducting the electoral process, while the military would provide support for election personnel and materials where required.

“As I have explained, our role is to provide logistical support and security for personnel and election materials, while the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, conducts the electoral process,” Undiandeye said.

CDI highlights security improvements

The Defence Intelligence chief also told the foreign representatives that security forces had progressively improved the security situation across the country.

He urged the defence advisers and attaches to consider the realities they had witnessed during their travels across different parts of Nigeria when assessing reports about insecurity.

“Some of you have travelled with me through different parts of Nigeria, including rural communities and other states. Others have travelled independently to different cities.

“The realities you have witnessed speak for themselves, and I do not need to convince you beyond the evidence you have seen,” he said.

Undiandeye thanked the foreign defence representatives for their support and cooperation with Nigeria, particularly assistance provided to the armed forces through equipment and training.

He said the partnerships had contributed to efforts to reduce the intensity of attacks and the number of civilians affected by violence.

“I also appreciate the cooperation and partnership that have helped reduce the intensity of attacks and the number of innocent citizens affected by violence,” he said.

He added that Nigeria remained committed to fulfilling its obligations under memoranda of understanding and security cooperation agreements with partner countries.

CDI asks foreign advisers to verify reports

Undiandeye urged the foreign advisers and attaches to seek clarification from relevant authorities before relying on information circulating on social media.

He said the regular operational briefings were designed to provide foreign representatives with authoritative information that could be communicated to their respective headquarters.

“I always insist that, after the necessary briefing, there should be an extension of the report to you to enable you to file an authoritative report with your headquarters,” he said.

The CDI encouraged the representatives to ask questions and seek clarification whenever they received information that appeared doubtful.

“We live in an era of misinformation, disinformation and confusion on social media that tends to muddle up what the real story is. We must establish the real story and distinguish facts from falsehoods,” he said.

He said some Nigerians living abroad had reportedly expressed concerns about insecurity in the country based on information they received, but urged foreign representatives residing in Nigeria to assess such reports against what they had personally witnessed.

Defence Intelligence Agency opens channels for clarification

Undiandeye said the spread of unverified information could affect perceptions of Nigeria’s security situation and institutions, urging the foreign representatives to rely on appropriate channels for clarification.

He assured them that the Defence Intelligence Agency remained available to address security-related concerns and provide clarification where necessary.

“My message is simple: if you receive worrying information from any source, our doors are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to clarify matters and help you understand the real situation,” he said.

The CDI also addressed reports alleging that the military had pressured media organisations to stop reporting issues considered unfavourable to the government.

He denied the reports and said such claims had been circulated internationally, allegedly affecting perceptions of Nigeria’s defence institutions.

Undiandeye urged the foreign representatives to verify such reports before acting on them, stressing the importance of direct engagement and factual verification.

“All it takes is a simple question: Is this true? What are the circumstances? We are open, we are willing to engage, and we are partners and comrades in arms,” he said.

He pledged to uphold truth and integrity in his dealings with the foreign defence representatives, including during difficult periods.

“We owe each other the candour of truth and integrity. I promise to uphold truth and integrity at all times, including during difficult periods when doing so may be inconvenient. That is what the military uniform teaches us anyway,” Undiandeye said.