INEC Warns Politicians Against Inflammatory Campaigns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians and political parties against using abusive, intemperate or inflammatory language during campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Adedayo Oketola, said campaign statements could become electoral intimidation when they move beyond political debate and amount to coercion, hate speech or threats of harm.

Oketola, in a telephone interview, said Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits campaign messages that could provoke ethnic, religious or sectional hostility.

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“ A political campaign or slogan shall not be tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings,” he quoted the law as stating.

He added that the law also prohibits abusive, slanderous or provocative statements capable of triggering violent reactions or emotions during political campaigns.

According to him, campaign rhetoric becomes intimidation when it threatens violence, economic retaliation or social exclusion against voters, candidates or electoral officials in an attempt to influence political choices.

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Oketola said INEC has the responsibility to monitor campaigns and enforce compliance with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, although security agencies remain responsible for maintaining law and order during political activities.

He explained that under the Electoral Act 2026, candidates found guilty of such offences could face a fine of up to N5 million or a 12-month jail term.

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He added that political parties could be fined N10 million for a first offence and N2 million for subsequent violations.

The INEC spokesman urged political actors, security agencies, the media, traditional rulers and religious leaders to work together to promote peaceful campaigns and discourage statements capable of threatening Nigeria’s democratic process.

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