The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, don warn politicians and political parties make dem no use insulting, provocative or threatening words during campaign as 2027 general election dey come.
INEC Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, say campaign talk don cross the legal line when e stop to be normal political argument and criticism, and turn to intimidation, hate speech, threats or talk wey fit cause violence.
Oketola say the Electoral Act 2026 no allow politicians to use campaign words wey fit make people react violently or attack people because of their tribe, religion, ethnic group or region.
He explain say INEC get the legal duty to monitor political campaigns and make sure political parties follow the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, even though INEC no be security agency.
According to am, any candidate wey court find guilty of using abusive campaign language fit pay up to ₦5 million fine or spend 12 months for prison. Political parties fit pay ₦10 million for first offence, while any offence after that fit attract ₦2 million fine.
He tell security agencies make dem prevent violence during political rallies and campaigns. He also call on the media to expose politicians wey dey make dangerous statements wey fit cause violence.
Oketola also appeal to traditional and religious leaders make dem use their influence to discourage provocative talk and promote peaceful politics.
He say the warning dey important because controversial statements and threats from politicians don dey increase across the country as political parties dey step up preparations for the 2027 elections.
Oketola stress say political campaigns suppose give politicians the opportunity to present their different ideas and policies, instead of turning campaigns into places for threats, intimidation and violence. #chookmouth
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