Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, warns politicians and political parties against using abusive, inflammatory or threatening language during campaigns.

INEC Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, says campaign rhetoric becomes electoral intimidation when it involves threats of violence, hate speech, coercion or language capable of provoking hostility among ethnic, religious or regional groups.

He says Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits abusive, slanderous or inflammatory language during political campaigns. Under Section 96(7), a candidate convicted of such offences faces a fine of up to ₦5 million or 12 months imprisonment, while a political party faces a ₦10 million fine for a first offence and ₦2 million for subsequent offences.

Oketola says INEC can monitor campaigns, issue queries and sanction parties within its legal powers, while security agencies are responsible for maintaining law and order during rallies. He also urges the media, traditional rulers and religious leaders to speak out against inflammatory political statements.

The warning comes amid recent threats by political figures in states including Osun, the FCT, Borno, Yobe, Kebbi and Ebonyi. INEC says political campaigns should focus on competing ideas rather than creating fear, violence or intimidation among voters.