Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned politicians and political parties against using abusive, intemperate and inflammatory language during campaigns, saying offenders risk heavy fines and imprisonment under the Electoral Act 2026.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over threats allegedly issued by some political office holders against voters, opponents and residents who express support for rival parties.
The Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said campaign rhetoric becomes electoral intimidation when it crosses the line from legitimate political debate into coercion, hate speech or threats of violence.
Oketola, who spoke in a telephone interview with our correspondent, said Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits campaign language capable of provoking violent reactions or injuring ethnic, religious, tribal or sectional sentiments.
He explained that threats against voters, candidates or electoral officials, including warnings of physical harm, economic reprisals or social ostracisation intended to compel or suppress political support, could constitute intimidation.
According to him, campaigns must not create an atmosphere of fear capable of discouraging voter participation or disenfranchising particular groups.
On enforcement, Oketola clarified that INEC is an election management body and not a security agency, noting that Section 95 of the Electoral Act provides for the involvement of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies in maintaining security during political rallies.
He added that INEC is empowered to monitor political campaigns and enforce compliance with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, including issuing queries and imposing sanctions within its administrative powers.
Oketola disclosed that Section 96(7) of the Electoral Act prescribes a maximum fine of five million naira or 12 months' imprisonment for a candidate convicted of the offences.
Political parties, he said, face a fine of 10 million naira for a first offence and two million naira for each subsequent offence.
The INEC spokesman stressed that safeguarding electoral integrity requires a collective effort involving security agencies, the media, traditional institutions and religious leaders.
His warning comes against the backdrop of a series of controversial political statements across the country.
In Osun State, Senator Francis Fadahunsi was invited and questioned by the police over a viral video in which he was allegedly heard calling for violence against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, also faced criticism after reportedly telling residents who did not support the APC to relocate ahead of the 2027 election.
Similarly, officials in Borno, Yobe, Kebbi and Ebonyi states have recently come under scrutiny over statements allegedly threatening or pressuring residents, political opponents or elected officials over their political choices.
The concerns have been heightened by reports of election-related violence.
The International Republican Institute, IRI, reportedly documented more than 81 election-related violent incidents in Osun State in the year preceding the state's governorship election, while the Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI, recorded 73 incidents resulting in 29 deaths ahead of local government elections in the state.
Against this backdrop, INEC has urged political actors to moderate their rhetoric and ensure that campaigns remain focused on issues, policies and competing ideas rather than threats and violence.
Oketola said political campaigns should be platforms for competing ideas, not theatres of war.
