Politicians who threaten voters, opponents or other citizens during the 2027 election campaigns could face heavy fines or even jail, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned.
The electoral body also cautioned political parties and their candidates against abusive, inflammatory and inciting statements capable of triggering violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC said such conduct could amount to electoral intimidation when political rhetoric crosses the line from ordinary campaign criticism into threats, coercion, hate speech or language capable of provoking violence.
The warning was disclosed by the Commission’s Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, in a telephone interview with Vanguard on Sunday.
Oketola drew attention to Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits campaign language capable of stirring religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional hatred or provoking violent reactions.
He said threats could take different forms, including physical attacks, economic punishment or social exclusion aimed at forcing voters to support or abandon a particular candidate or party.
According to him, INEC has the legal responsibility to monitor political campaigns and ensure that parties comply with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, although the Commission does not have the powers of a security agency.
“Beyond inter-agency security coordination, INEC is statutorily empowered to monitor political campaigns and enforce compliance with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties,” Oketola said.
He explained that the Commission could issue queries and impose sanctions within its administrative powers when political parties breach the rules.
The consequences could be severe.
Oketola said Section 96(7) of the Electoral Act provides for a maximum fine of N5 million or 12 months’ imprisonment for candidates convicted of the relevant offences.
Political parties found guilty could also be fined N10 million for a first offence, with subsequent offences attracting N2 million each.
INEC urged the police and other security agencies, as well as traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media, to help prevent inflammatory political rhetoric from escalating into violence.
Oketola stressed that the police and other security agencies had a responsibility to prevent a breakdown of law and order during campaigns, adding that political contests should be about ideas rather than violence.
His warning comes against the backdrop of a series of controversial statements by political actors as parties gradually gear up for the 2027 elections.
KEBBI CHAIRMAN UNDER FIRE
One recent case involves the Chairman of Gwandu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Ahmad Mandiya, who was caught on video allegedly threatening political opponents.
In the viral footage, Mandiya urged APC supporters to ensure that at least one person was stationed at every polling unit to protect the party’s interests.
He also appeared to encourage supporters to confront anyone speaking against Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, popularly known as Kaura, while suggesting that he would help secure the release of anyone arrested over such confrontations.
The remarks have fuelled fresh concerns over the growing use of threatening language by political actors ahead of the 2027 poll.
OSUN POLITICS ALSO BOILS OVER
A similar controversy erupted in Osun State ahead of the governorship election, after a video allegedly showed Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, making threats against members of the Accord Party.
Fadahunsi, an APC chieftain in the state, was reportedly captured addressing supporters in Ilesa and warning them against allowing Accord Party members to operate in the area.
He allegedly told supporters that any Accord Party member seen in Ilesa before the election should be attacked and killed.
The senator was also reported to have threatened traditional rulers accused of supporting the opposition, warning that they would face consequences.
The allegations have further intensified calls for political parties and their supporters to tone down their rhetoric as Nigeria heads towards another fiercely contested election cycle.
