The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and candidates against using abusive, inflammatory or threatening language during campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying offenders could face fines and imprisonment under the Electoral Act 2026.
The warning was issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, during a telephone interview with journalists.
He said campaign rhetoric could become electoral intimidation when it moves beyond legitimate political criticism into threats, hate speech, coercion or calls for violence.
Oketola cited Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits political campaigns from using abusive language or statements capable of provoking violent reactions or hurting religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional sentiments.
Under Section 96(7), a candidate found guilty of the offence may be fined up to ₦5 million or sentenced to a maximum of 12 months in prison. Political parties face a ₦10 million fine for a first offence and ₦2 million for subsequent violations.
INEC also urged the media to expose politicians whose statements could incite violence, while calling on security agencies, traditional rulers and religious leaders to help discourage inflammatory political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 polls.
