The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians and political parties against using abusive, inflammatory or threatening language during campaigns, saying offenders risk heavy fines or imprisonment under the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission also urged the media to expose politicians whose statements could incite violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to its Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, gave the warning in a telephone interview on Sunday.
Oketola said campaign statements could amount to electoral intimidation when they move beyond normal political debate to include threats, hate speech, coercion or calls for violence.
He cited Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits campaign language that could injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings or provoke violent reactions.
The law states that political campaigns or slogans must not contain abusive language likely to inflame such sentiments.
Oketola added that politicians could also cross the line into intimidation when they threaten voters, opponents or electoral officials with violence, physical harm, economic punishment or social exclusion because of their political choices.
According to him, campaigns should not create fear capable of discouraging people from voting or preventing particular groups from participating in elections.
He noted that while INEC is an election management body rather than a security agency, the Electoral Act assigns security agencies responsibilities during political rallies and processions.
Oketola said INEC was also empowered to monitor political campaigns and enforce compliance with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties.
He explained that the commission could issue formal queries and sanction non-compliant political parties within its administrative powers.
On penalties, Oketola said Section 96(7) of the Electoral Act provides that an aspirant or candidate who violates the provisions could, upon conviction, face a maximum fine of ₦5 million or imprisonment for 12 months.
A political party found liable faces a ₦10 million fine for a first offence and ₦5 million for subsequent offences under the Act.
Oketola called for cooperation among INEC, security agencies, the media, traditional rulers and religious leaders to protect the integrity of the 2027 elections.
He also urged traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to discourage political violence and called on the media to expose inflammatory statements by political actors.
About the Author
