2027 Election: INEC Warns Politicians, Threatens N10m Fine, 12-Month Jail Term Over Abusive Campaigns
As political activities begin heating up ahead of the 2027 elections, INEC has issued a fresh warning to politicians, reminding them that abusive and inflammatory campaign rhetoric could come with serious legal consequences.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sent a strong warning to politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying abusive and inflammatory campaign statements could land offenders in serious trouble. INEC said politicians must be careful with the kind of language they use during campaigns, especially statements that could cause violence or create tension among Nigerians.
The commission’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, said the warning is backed by Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026. Under the law, campaign messages must not be abusive, slanderous, inflammatory or capable of provoking violence. Politicians are also warned against statements that target people based on their ethnicity, religion, tribe or region.
For an individual candidate found guilty of violating the provision, the punishment can be a fine of up to N5 million or imprisonment for up to 12 months. Political parties could also face a 10 million fine for a first offence, while subsequent offences could attract a 2 million fine.
INEC explained that political criticism is allowed, but politicians must not cross the line into hate speech, threats, intimidation, coercion or incitement to violence. The commission also reminded Nigerians that while INEC monitors campaigns and enforces compliance with the rules, security agencies remain responsible for dealing with violence and other security threats during political activities.
With political activities already beginning to heat up ahead of the 2027 elections, INEC has urged politicians to focus on their policies and ideas rather than using words that could divide Nigerians or trigger violence.
Source: TrendyBeatz
