Ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning that politicians and parties using abusive, inflammatory, or intemperate language face severe financial penalties and potential imprisonment under the Electoral Act 2026.

Chief Press Secretary Adedayo Oketola emphasized that campaign rhetoric crosses the line into punishable electoral intimidation when it moves beyond legitimate policy critique into hate speech, coercion, or threats of physical, economic, or social harm. Citing Section 96 of the electoral law, he noted that campaigns must avoid any language designed or likely to incite ethnic, religious, or sectional hostility, or provoke violent emotions.

While INEC serves primarily as an election management body rather than a security agency, it is statutorily empowered to monitor campaigns, enforce the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, issue formal queries, and sanction non-compliant groups. Section 96(7) of the act establishes strict statutory punishments: candidates convicted of these offences face a maximum fine of ₦5,000,000 or 12 months imprisonment, while offending political parties face a ₦10,000,000 fine for a first-time offense and ₦2,000,000 for subsequent violations.

INEC stressed that protecting electoral integrity requires a collaborative approach involving security institutions like the Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC, media watchdogs, and traditional and religious leaders exercising moral authority to deter violence.

This warning follows a troubling surge of incendiary remarks by high-ranking political figures across several states, triggering widespread condemnation from civil society organizations and human rights groups. Recent flashpoints include:

• Osun State: Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi faced police questioning after a viral video showed him urging supporters in Ilesa to target members of an opposing party, prompting Governor Ademola Adeleke to label the comments a national security threat. Meanwhile, monitors documented numerous election-related violent incidents leading up to local polls.

• Federal Capital Territory: Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo faced backlash from Amnesty International after warning residents who do not support the ruling party to relocate before 2027.

• Borno State: Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Sainna Buba publicly threatened that non-supporters would be flogged and face physical retaliation.

• Yobe State: State APC Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka urged married women to divorce husbands who opposed the ruling party, offering to pay new bride prices for them, though he later withdrew the remarks following public outcry.

• Kebbi & Ebonyi States: Local government and state leaders issued similar directives threatening physical action against critics or removal from office for officials who fail to deliver electoral victories.

International monitoring groups, including the International Republican Institute and the Kimpact Development Initiative, have highlighted mounting pre-election violence and security risks across various regions. INEC maintains that political campaigns must remain platforms for competing ideas rather than theaters of conflict, urging all stakeholders to prioritize peace and accountability.