The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to threaten, intimidate and abduct its ad hoc staff ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure in Lokoja, Kogi State, during a North Central zonal operational readiness assessment and staff engagement.

Amupitan revealed that intelligence-driven operations carried out in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) had resulted in the arrest of key suspects allegedly connected to the plot, who have subsequently been arraigned before a court.

He warned that the commission would not hesitate to ensure the prosecution of anyone involved in attacking, intimidating or obstructing electoral personnel in the discharge of their duties.

The INEC chairman also charged electoral officers to maintain professionalism, impartiality and administrative discipline, cautioning that political interference and negligence at the local level could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

He stressed that preparations for credible elections must begin well ahead of election day, insisting that last-minute arrangements would not guarantee a transparent and successful exercise.

Amupitan further disclosed that INEC was strengthening its security collaboration with relevant agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to identify and tackle potential threats before they escalate.

The commission is preparing to conduct the 2027 general elections across 176,846 polling units nationwide, with more than 103 million registered voters expected to participate.