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Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties, candidates and campaign officials that violence, intimidation and hate speech will attract sanctions as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, delivered the warning on Monday, October 26, 2026, during a strategic workshop for editors organised in Abuja by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in collaboration with the commission. He stressed that political competition must be based on ideas and policies rather than threats, violence or intimidation.
Amupitan said the commission had activated an early-warning framework through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to document incidents of political violence, thuggery and dangerous campaign rhetoric. The system is intended to help relevant authorities identify emerging threats and respond before they escalate.
During the meeting, the INEC chairman referred to reports of a political candidate allegedly campaigning while brandishing a firearm in Kano State. He also cited threats reportedly directed at electoral officials, expressing concern about the growing hostility surrounding political activities.
The commission warned that political parties and candidates found responsible for inciting violence, disrupting opponents’ rallies or deploying armed thugs could face statutory sanctions and prosecution. The warning comes as parties organise campaign teams and mobilise supporters ahead of the presidential and governorship elections.
Political violence has remained a concern in Nigeria’s electoral process, with previous elections marred by incidents of intimidation, clashes between supporters and attacks on campaign activities in some locations. Such incidents can discourage voter participation and undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
INEC’s position places responsibility on both political parties and security agencies to ensure that campaigns proceed peacefully. Parties are expected to control the conduct of their supporters, while security agencies must investigate credible threats and protect candidates, electoral workers and members of the public.
The warning also comes amid rising political competition following the launch of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign and preparations by opposition parties to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
As the 2027 elections approach, the commission says it intends to monitor campaign conduct more closely and take action against violations of electoral law.
The effectiveness of these measures will depend on consistent enforcement, timely investigations and cooperation among political parties, security agencies and election officials.
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