The Department of State Services (DSS) has uncovered and arrested suspects allegedly involved in a plot targeting Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad hoc staff, particularly National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this at the commission’s South-East Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 general election in Enugu.

According to INEC’s Daily Bulletin, the commission identified potential threats to its ad hoc personnel and took measures to neutralise them. Amupitan said those behind the plot had been apprehended and would soon face prosecution.

He added that INEC would convene a security conference soon to address emerging threats and strengthen preparations for the elections.

The chairman said the commission had revitalised and expanded its partnership with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, while working with security agencies at federal and state levels to establish an intelligence-driven security framework.

Amupitan identified declining public trust, voter apathy, misinformation and disinformation as major challenges facing the commission.

He warned that fake news, unverified rumours and deepfake videos could spread rapidly and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

He stressed that the conduct and professionalism of INEC officials would be critical to countering misinformation, adding that the commission would prioritise transparency, prompt communication and operational efficiency at polling units.

The INEC chairman also warned staff against partisan conduct, negligence, extortion and ethical breaches, insisting that such behaviour would not be tolerated under his leadership.

He reminded officials that Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2026 requires electoral personnel and participating security officials to swear an oath of loyalty and neutrality in the discharge of their duties.