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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, saying offenders risk hefty fines and jail terms under the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said campaign rhetoric becomes unlawful when it incites violence, promotes hatred or intimidates voters, candidates or election officials.
He explained that Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits political campaigns from using abusive, slanderous or inflammatory language capable of provoking ethnic, religious or sectional tensions or triggering violent reactions.
According to Oketola, candidates convicted of violating the law face a maximum fine of N5 million or 12 months' imprisonment, while political parties may be fined N10 million for a first offence and N2 million for every subsequent violation.
He noted that while INEC is not a security agency, it is empowered to monitor political campaigns, enforce compliance with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and issue sanctions where necessary.
Oketola added that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, are responsible for maintaining law and order during political campaigns.
He also urged the media, traditional rulers and religious leaders to discourage politicians from making inflammatory statements capable of inciting violence.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over threatening remarks by some political office holders ahead of the 2027 elections, including statements that have attracted widespread criticism from civil society groups and rights organisations.
INEC maintained that election campaigns should focus on policies and ideas rather than intimidation, stressing that peaceful campaigns are essential to credible elections and national stability.
