2027 Campaigns: INEC Issues Stern Warning, Politicians Risk Jail Term And Heavy Fine

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians and political parties against using abusive, inflammatory or threatening language during campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that offenders could face heavy fines or imprisonment under the Electoral Act 2026.

The warning was issued by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, during a telephone interview in which he outlined the legal consequences of violating campaign regulations.

Oketola explained that Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits political campaigns and slogans containing abusive language or statements capable of provoking religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional hostility.

He noted that campaign messages could become punishable when they are deliberately designed to provoke violent reactions, incite hatred or threaten individuals and groups based on their ethnic, religious or regional identities.

According to him, intimidation may also arise when politicians use threats of physical harm, economic retaliation or social exclusion to pressure voters, opponents or electoral officials. He warned that campaign rhetoric that creates fear or discourages particular groups from participating in elections could also amount to a violation.

Oketola further clarified that while INEC is not a security agency, the Electoral Act provides for collaboration between the Commission and security institutions during political campaigns and rallies. He said the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies have operational responsibilities for maintaining security during campaign activities.

He added that INEC is legally empowered to monitor political campaigns and ensure that political parties comply with the relevant Code of Conduct. The Commission, he said, can issue queries and impose sanctions on parties that violate its administrative regulations.

On the penalties for offenders, Oketola said Section 96(7) of the Electoral Act 2026 provides that a candidate convicted of the offences could be fined up to ₦5 million or sentenced to a maximum of 12 months in prison.

He added that a political party found guilty could face a ₦10 million fine for a first offence, while subsequent violations could attract a ₦2 million fine each.

Oketola also called for greater cooperation among political parties, security agencies, the media and community leaders to prevent electoral violence ahead of the 2027 elections.

He stressed that INEC alone could not eliminate violence and intimidation from the electoral process, urging security agencies to ensure that campaign activities do not degenerate into threats or disorder.

According to him, political campaigns should focus on competing ideas and policies rather than confrontation, warning stakeholders against rhetoric capable of creating fear, hostility or violence before the elections.