INEC Warns 2027 Politicians: Abusive Campaigns Could Mean Fines or Jail
INEC has issued a strict warning to politicians and parties against using abusive or inflammatory language in the 2027 general election campaigns. Offenders risk heavy fines and imprisonment under the Electoral Act 2026, as INEC defines electoral intimidation and stresses collective responsibility for maintaining electoral integrity. The commission's stance follows a recent wave of political threats.
Nigeria’s 2027 election campaign is already getting heated, and INEC is warning politicians to watch what they say.
The Independent National Electoral Commission says candidates and political parties that cross the line into abusive or inflammatory campaign language could face fines and, in some cases, prison under the Electoral Act 2026.
The warning comes as political actors increasingly trade threats and harsh remarks ahead of the election.
Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, said political criticism is allowed. The problem starts when campaign speech turns into hate speech, coercion, threats or language capable of provoking violence.
What the law prohibits
Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026 bars campaign language that could inflame ethnic, religious, tribal or sectional feelings.
It also prohibits abusive, intemperate or slanderous language, including insinuations likely to provoke violent reactions.
In practical terms, politicians can attack an opponent’s record or policies. They cannot use a campaign platform to threaten voters, encourage hostility against a group or try to frighten people into supporting or abandoning a candidate.
INEC’s 2026 campaign guidelines also expressly prohibit abusive language and hate speech during political campaigns.
The penalties
The punishment depends on who is involved.
A candidate convicted of the offence can face a fine of up to ₦5 million or 12 months in prison.
A political party can be fined ₦10 million for a first offence and ₦2 million for each subsequent offence.
That does not mean INEC can simply send a politician to prison. The penalties apply upon conviction.
INEC can monitor campaigns, issue queries and enforce compliance with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties within its powers.
Enforcement will be the real test
INEC has made the rule clear. The harder part will be applying it when political campaigns become more aggressive.
Nigeria has seen politicians threaten opponents and voters over political disagreements. Some of these remarks have already drawn condemnation from civil society groups and opposition figures.
The 2027 election will show how seriously the new provisions are enforced.
INEC is not a security agency, so the police and other security bodies remain responsible for dealing with threats that become security matters. Oketola also called on the media, traditional rulers and religious leaders to challenge inflammatory rhetoric before it escalates.
For voters, the distinction matters.
Political campaigns can be rough. Politicians can attack each other and argue over policies. Threatening people because of how they vote is different.
That is the boundary INEC says it intends to enforce as the country moves closer to 2027.