The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have warned politicians that inflammatory campaign rhetoric capable of provoking violence will attract legal action as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The two institutions said threats, intimidation, and incitement were not protected political speech; they stressed that existing electoral and criminal laws provide sanctions for actors who attempt to influence voters or opponents through fear.
INEC said it could monitor political campaigns, issue queries, and sanction political parties that breach campaign rules, while the police disclosed plans to arrest and prosecute persons whose statements threaten public peace.
The warning followed a series of controversial remarks by political actors in several states, including comments referencing past electoral violence, threats against opposition supporters, and calls that critics considered capable of triggering unrest.
INEC Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said the Electoral Act 2026 prohibited direct or indirect threats of force or violence during political campaigns.
He cited Section 96(7), which provides that a candidate convicted of specified campaign offences could face a maximum fine of N5m or 12 months’ imprisonment, while a political party could be fined N10m for a first offence and N2m for subsequent violations.
Oketola said campaigns should be “platforms of competing ideas, not theatres of war”. He added that intimidation could take the form of physical threats, economic reprisals, or social exclusion intended to influence political choices.
Section 97(1) of the Act also prohibits threats of force or violence intended to compel a person to support or reject a political party or candidate. Section 132 prescribes a N2m fine or three years’ imprisonment for anyone convicted of using or threatening force, violence or restraint to influence voting.
The police Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, said the provisions would be enforced.
“One of the things we’re going to do is enlightenment across all commands concerning inciting and inflammatory comments. Incitement is a criminal offence and we will not spare anyone trying to heat up the politics with inciteful comments,” he said.
Several politicians have recently made contentious statements. Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde invoked the violence of the First Republic while warning against political coercion. Former NNPP BoT Secretary Buba Galadima called on Nigerians to attend polling centres with bottles and jerry cans of kerosene.
Other controversial remarks have come from Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Shekwolo, Borno Commissioner Sainna Buba, Ohaukwu Council Chairman Eze Ituma, and Yobe APC Chairman Muhammad Gadaka.
Civil society groups and lawyers said warnings without prosecution could weaken deterrence.
Yiaga Africa Executive (YAE) Secretary Samson Itodo called for arrests and prosecution where statements violated the law, while lawyer Jiti Ogunye said political threats had become an instrument for seeking or retaining power.
Centre for Change President Joe Odumakin also identified desperation for power, intolerance, and weak accountability as factors fuelling the rhetoric.
However, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru rejected claims that the ruling party promoted violent campaigning. He said the party focused on its achievements and opposed the use of religious or ethnic identities for political mobilisation.
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