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.
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The commission said politicians who cross the line from ordinary campaign criticism into intimidation, hate speech or threats of violence could face financial penalties and imprisonment under the Electoral Act 2026.
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The warning comes amid growing concerns over statements attributed to some political office holders and party supporters across the country, with some accused of threatening voters and political opponents who do not support their preferred candidates.
INEC Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to its chairman, Adedayo Oketola, explained that campaign rhetoric becomes an electoral offence when it moves beyond political debate and is used to threaten, coerce or incite people against others.
He said the Electoral Act prohibits campaign messages capable of provoking religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional hostility. The law also prohibits abusive, slanderous or inflammatory language that could trigger violent reactions during political campaigns.
According to Oketola, intimidation can take different forms, including threats of physical violence, economic punishment or social exclusion against voters, candidates or electoral officials.
He added that political actors must not create fear among citizens in a way that could discourage people from participating in elections or prevent particular groups from exercising their voting rights.
On the role of INEC in dealing with such cases, Oketola said the commission is responsible for managing elections and is not a security agency.
He explained, however, that the Electoral Act gives INEC powers to monitor campaign activities and ensure that political parties comply with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties.
The commission can issue queries and take administrative action against parties that violate the rules within the limits of its legal powers.
Under Section 96(7) of the Electoral Act 2026, a candidate convicted of the relevant offences could face a fine of up to ₦5 million or a jail term of up to 12 months.
Political parties face higher penalties, with a first offence attracting a ₦10 million fine and subsequent offences carrying a ₦2 million fine each.
INEC also said maintaining a peaceful electoral environment cannot be left to the commission alone.
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The commission called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to prevent violence and maintain order during political rallies and other campaign activities.
The media was also urged to perform its watchdog role by drawing attention to inflammatory statements made by politicians rather than allowing such comments to go unchecked.
Traditional and religious leaders were equally encouraged to use their influence to discourage political actors from making statements capable of causing violence.
The warning follows several recent controversies involving politicians from different parts of the country.
In Osun State, Osun East Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi was questioned by the police over a viral video in which he was accused of making threats against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa. Governor Ademola Adeleke subsequently condemned the remarks and called for action against the senator.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo also faced criticism after reportedly warning residents who did not support the APC to leave the area ahead of the 2027 election.
Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the statement, describing it as capable of encouraging violence.
Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, also came under criticism over comments in which he was accused of threatening people who refused to support the APC in 2027.
In Yobe State, APC chairman Mohammed Gadaka sparked controversy after urging married women to leave their husbands if their spouses prevented them from supporting the party in the election. He later withdrew the statement following public reactions.
Other political controversies have emerged in Kebbi and Ebonyi states, where some political leaders were accused of making statements against individuals or officials perceived to be opposed to the ruling party.
The development has raised concerns about the possible impact of political rhetoric on the safety of voters and the wider electoral environment as the 2027 election approaches.
The International Republican Institute and the Kimpact Development Initiative have also previously documented election-related violence in Osun State, adding to concerns about the potential for political disagreements to escalate into physical clashes.
Against this background, INEC has urged political actors to focus their campaigns on policies, ideas and their records rather than threats and intimidation.
The commission’s position is that the 2027 campaign period should allow Nigerians to make political choices freely without fear of violence, punishment or harassment.
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