INEC warns of fines and jail for abusive 2027 campaign rhetoric

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning to politicians and political parties regarding the use of abusive, inflammatory, or slanderous language ahead of the 2027 general elections. Citing the Electoral Act 2026, the commission stated that campaign rhetoric crossing into hate speech, coercion, or threats of violence will face strict legal consequences.

Under the current legal framework, individual candidates found guilty of using language designed to injure ethnic, religious, or tribal sentiments could face fines of up to ₦5 million or imprisonment for up to 12 months. Political parties face even steeper penalties, including an initial fine of ₦10 million for a first offense and an additional ₦2 million for every subsequent violation.

INEC Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser Adedayo Oketola emphasized that campaigns must be driven by policy and ideas rather than intimidation. He noted that rhetoric becomes punishable intimidation when it incites regional hostility or uses threats of physical, economic, or social harm to suppress voter turnout or influence election officials.