By Emma Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians and political parties that campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections must not degenerate into threats, intimidation or statements capable of triggering violence.
INEC Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, gave the warning in a telephone interview with Vanguard on Sunday.
Oketola said political competition was expected in a democracy, but warned that politicians could cross the legal line when campaign messages were used to frighten voters, suppress opposition or encourage hostility.
He explained that criticism of political opponents remained part of electoral competition, but threats of violence, coercion and inflammatory remarks capable of provoking attacks could attract sanctions under the Electoral Act 2026.
According to him, Section 96 of the Act prohibits campaign language capable of aggravating religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional sentiments or provoking violent reactions.
He added that intimidation could also take the form of threats involving physical harm, economic punishment or social exclusion when such threats were intended to influence a person’s political choice.
Oketola said INEC had a responsibility to monitor campaign activities and ensure that political parties adhered to the Code of Conduct for Political Parties.
Although the Commission does not function as a security agency, he said it could issue queries and take administrative action against parties that violate the prescribed rules.
The INEC official disclosed that the law provides for a maximum fine of ₦5 million or 12 months’ imprisonment for a candidate convicted of the relevant offences.
Political parties, he added, could be fined ₦10 million for a first offence and ₦2 million for every subsequent offence.
Oketola appealed to political leaders to exercise restraint, while urging the police and other security agencies, journalists, traditional rulers and religious leaders to help prevent inflammatory political statements from escalating into violence.
“The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies have a clear duty to prevent the breakdown of law and order during political campaigns,” he said.
He stressed that political campaigns should provide room for competing ideas and policy alternatives rather than become platforms for threats and confrontation.
The warning comes amid recent controversies involving statements attributed to political figures in different parts of the country.
In Kebbi State, Gwandu Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Atiku Ahmad Mandiya, was recently seen in a viral video addressing supporters and calling for stronger mobilisation around polling units ahead of the elections.
Some of his remarks were interpreted as threatening towards individuals who criticise Governor Nasir Idris, popularly known as Kaura. Mandiya was also heard promising to secure the release of anyone arrested following a confrontation with political opponents.
In Osun State, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, also reportedly came under scrutiny after a video emerged in which he allegedly threatened members of the Accord Party ahead of the governorship election.
Fadahunsi, an APC chieftain in the state, reportedly warned against the presence of Accord Party supporters in Ilesa and made remarks that were interpreted as encouraging attacks against opposition members.
The developments have renewed concerns about the language being used in political mobilisation as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.
INEC’s warning therefore places political parties and candidates on notice that campaign freedom does not extend to threats, intimidation or rhetoric capable of undermining peaceful participation in the electoral process.
