The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has transported sensitive electoral materials for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election and several senatorial and federal constituency by-elections scheduled for June 20, 2026.

According to the NAF, the operation was conducted between June 15 and 16 following a request from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the secure and timely distribution of election materials to designated locations nationwide.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the exercise covered preparations for the Ekiti governorship election, as well as senatorial by-elections in Enugu North Senatorial District, Nasarawa North Senatorial District and Rivers South East Senatorial District.

The operation also included the movement of materials for federal constituency by-elections in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State and Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency in Kebbi State.

Ejodame explained that the Air Force deployed its strategic airlift assets to move the sensitive materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers and Kano states.

He noted that the operation ensured INEC received the materials within the required timeline ahead of the elections.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the personnel involved for their professionalism and commitment to duty.

Aneke said the successful completion of the mission reflected the NAF’s continued support for democratic institutions and national development.

He reaffirmed the Air Force’s readiness to provide timely assistance to civil authorities in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities while maintaining a high level of operational preparedness for national defence.

The NAF stated that the exercise underscores its longstanding partnership with INEC in supporting credible elections and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

Ejodame emphasized that the timely delivery of sensitive electoral materials remains vital to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, as well as strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.

He added that the mission further demonstrated the versatility of NAF air power in advancing national objectives while sustaining ongoing security operations across the country.

The Ekiti State governorship election is scheduled to hold on June 20, 2026, with 13 political parties expected to participate. Voting will take place across 117 wards and more than 2,000 polling units spread across the state’s 16 local government areas.