The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has urged Nigerian military personnel to remain apolitical, professional and impartial as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Abbas gave the directive while addressing participants at the completion of Naval Warfare Course 10, stressing that personnel involved in constitutionally authorised security duties must operate within the law and uphold public confidence.
The naval chief said military personnel must ensure that their decisions and actions are guided by the Constitution, relevant laws, professional ethics and respect for human dignity.
“Your decisions must remain grounded in the Constitution, the law, professional ethics and respect for human dignity,” Abbas said.
He particularly urged personnel to maintain political neutrality as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 elections. The call is part of broader efforts by Nigeria’s military to prepare personnel for their roles during election-related security operations.
Earlier, the military had announced measures to educate personnel on their responsibilities during the 2027 elections. The Chief of Naval Staff directed naval commands, formations and bases to organise seminars on election security and the code of conduct for military personnel.
The seminars are intended to reinforce the principles of neutrality, professionalism and respect for voters’ rights. Personnel deployed for election duties are also expected to avoid partisan activities and use force only where legally necessary.
The Nigerian military has previously stressed that its involvement in elections is carried out in support of civil authorities and under established legal and operational guidelines. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, similarly directed troops in July to remain neutral, professional and respectful of human rights during the 2027 polls.
The Nigerian Army also recently reminded personnel that election-security operations must comply with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, service regulations, rules of engagement and other relevant directives.
The latest warning comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with security agencies expected to play supporting roles in maintaining a safe environment for voters, electoral officials and political participants.
The naval leadership's position is that professionalism, impartiality and adherence to the law will be essential to maintaining public confidence in the Armed Forces during the electoral period.