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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a fresh INEC campaign warning to politicians and political parties against using abusive, inflammatory or threatening language ahead of the 2027 general election.
The commission said offenders could face heavy fines and imprisonment under provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, said campaign rhetoric could become unlawful when it moves beyond political criticism and involves intimidation, hate speech, threats or language capable of provoking violence.
According to Oketola, Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits political campaigns from using abusive or slanderous language likely to inflame religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional sentiments.
He explained that politicians could also face sanctions when their statements threaten voters, opponents or electoral officials with physical harm, economic retaliation or social exclusion in an attempt to influence electoral participation.
Penalties for Violators
Oketola said Section 96(7) of the Electoral Act provides specific penalties for candidates and political parties found guilty of violating the campaign provisions.
A candidate convicted of an offence could face a fine of up to ₦5 million or 12 months imprisonment.
Political parties, meanwhile, could be fined ₦10 million for a first offence, followed by ₦2 million for each subsequent offence.
The INEC official stressed that although the commission is primarily an election management body and not a security agency, it has powers to monitor political campaigns and enforce compliance with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties.
He added that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have responsibilities for maintaining order during political rallies.
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Politicians Under Scrutiny
The INEC campaign warning comes amid a series of controversial political statements reported in different parts of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
Senator Francis Fadahunsi was questioned by police after a video circulated in which he was accused of making a violent statement against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa, Osun State.
Other controversial remarks have also been reported in the Federal Capital Territory, Borno, Yobe, Kebbi and Ebonyi states, involving threats, inflammatory language and pressure on residents over political support.
Oketola urged the media, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political actors and security agencies to help prevent inflammatory campaign rhetoric from escalating into violence.
He said political campaigns should focus on competing ideas rather than threats and confrontation.
The INEC campaign warning is expected to increase attention on the language and conduct of politicians as parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general election.