The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians and political parties that abusive, threatening and inflammatory campaign rhetoric could attract a fine of up to N5 million or imprisonment under the Electoral Act 2026.
The warning comes as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with INEC urging candidates and parties to conduct their campaigns within the boundaries of the law.
INEC Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to its Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said campaign statements could become electoral intimidation when they move beyond legitimate political debate and involve threats, coercion, hate speech or incitement to violence.
“Campaign rhetoric becomes electoral intimidation when it goes beyond partisan debate or policy criticism and involves coercion, hate speech, threats of violence or language capable of provoking hostility,” Oketola said.
He cited Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits campaign language capable of injuring religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional sentiments or provoking violent reactions.
According to Oketola, Section 96(7) provides for a maximum fine of N5 million or 12 months’ imprisonment for candidates convicted of the specified offences. INEC also urged the media to expose inflammatory statements and help promote responsible political communication.
The warning is significant as inflammatory political rhetoric can heighten tensions, intimidate voters and undermine peaceful participation in elections. INEC said it has statutory powers to monitor campaigns and enforce compliance with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, although it is not a security agency.
