As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to political parties and candidates regarding the use of abusive language in campaign rhetoric. Those found in violation of the Electoral Act 2026 could face hefty fines and imprisonment.
According to Mr. Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, campaign language that shifts from policy critique to intimidation could provoke legal action. Oketola highlighted that any rhetoric inciting ethnic or regional hostility, or designed to incite violence, falls under punishable offenses as stipulated in Section 96 of the Electoral Act.
He noted that using slanderous or abusive language that aims to threaten or intimidate voters is categorically forbidden. Violators may incur fines of up to ₦5 million or serve 12 months in jail, while political parties can face penalties of ₦10 million and additional fines for repeated offenses.
Oketola emphasized that while INEC is not a security agency, it has the authority to monitor political campaigns and enforce compliance with the established Code of Conduct. The call for accountability also extends to media outlets, urging them to expose incendiary language, alongside civil society organizations that have vocally condemned the rising threats aimed at voters.
This warning follows a wave of concerning statements from various political figures across Nigeria, including threats against dissenting voters and calls for violence that have stirred public outrage. INEC stresses that maintaining electoral integrity is a collective responsibility shared among security agencies, the media, and influential community leaders.
