2027: INEC Threatens ₦10m Fine, 12-Month Jail Term for Abusive Campaign

The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned politicians and political parties against using abusive, inflammatory or threatening language during campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commission said offenders could face substantial financial penalties and imprisonment under provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, amid growing concerns over political statements targeting opponents, voters and residents.

INEC Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to its Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said campaign rhetoric becomes punishable when it moves beyond legitimate political criticism and enters the territory of intimidation, threats of violence, hate speech or language capable of provoking hostility.

He explained that Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits abusive, intemperate, slanderous or inflammatory language capable of injuring ethnic, religious, tribal or sectional sentiments or provoking violent reactions during political campaigns.

Oketola said threats involving physical harm, economic retaliation or social exclusion could also amount to electoral intimidation when used to compel voters or suppress their political choices.

Under the law, a candidate convicted of the relevant offence may face a fine of up to ₦5 million or imprisonment for a maximum of 12 months. Political parties convicted of violating the provisions face a ₦10 million fine for a first offence, while subsequent offences attract a ₦2 million penalty.

INEC stressed, however, that its role in addressing inflammatory political conduct is primarily electoral and administrative, while security agencies have responsibility for maintaining public order and investigating criminal conduct.

The commission said it would continue monitoring political campaigns and enforcing compliance with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties. It can also issue formal queries and impose sanctions within its statutory administrative powers.

Oketola urged security agencies, including the police and other relevant authorities, to perform their responsibilities concerning political rallies, threats and public safety.

He also called on the media to expose incendiary political statements and encouraged traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to discourage politicians from making comments capable of triggering violence.

The warning comes amid several controversial political statements in recent weeks involving politicians in different parts of the country.

INEC said political campaigns should focus on competing ideas and policies rather than intimidation, threats or language designed to provoke violence.

The commission urged all political actors to respect the law and allow Nigerians to freely choose their preferred candidates and political parties as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.