The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and candidates against using abusive, inflammatory or threatening language during campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commission said offenders risk severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, under the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, disclosed this in a telephone interview, explaining that campaign rhetoric becomes punishable when it moves beyond legitimate political debate and amounts to intimidation, hate speech or threats of violence.
According to Oketola, Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits political campaigns or slogans containing abusive language that could injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional sentiments.
He added that the law also prohibits the use of slanderous, intemperate or inflammatory language, as well as insinuations or innuendoes capable of provoking violent reactions or emotions.
Oketola explained that political rhetoric could amount to intimidation when politicians directly or indirectly threaten voters, opponents or electoral officials with physical harm, economic reprisals or other forms of punishment in an attempt to influence their political choices.
He also warned that campaigns must not create an atmosphere of fear capable of discouraging voter turnout or preventing particular groups from participating in the electoral process.
Speaking on INEC’s enforcement powers, Oketola clarified that the Commission is primarily an election management body and not a security agency. However, he said INEC has the statutory responsibility to monitor political campaigns and enforce compliance with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties.
He said Section 95 of the Electoral Act 2026 also provides for the involvement of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in maintaining security during political rallies.
According to Oketola, Section 96(7) prescribes a maximum fine of ₦5 million or 12 months’ imprisonment for a candidate convicted of violating the provisions on abusive campaign language.
Political parties face a higher penalty, with a ₦10 million fine for a first offence and ₦2 million for each subsequent offence, he said.
The INEC spokesman stressed that maintaining a peaceful electoral environment requires the collective efforts of political parties, security agencies, the media, traditional institutions and religious leaders.
He urged the media to continue exposing inflammatory statements while calling on traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to discourage politicians from making statements capable of provoking violence.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over inflammatory political rhetoric and threats allegedly made by some political actors ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC said political campaigns should focus on competing ideas and policies rather than threats, intimidation and language capable of undermining peaceful participation in the electoral process.
