INEC Warns Against Electoral Violence Ahead Of 2027 Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemned the use of the slogan ‘rig and die’ by some political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such statements could encourage violence and put the lives of innocent Nigerians at risk.

The Commission also warned that any electoral official or ad hoc staff member found guilty of manipulating the electoral process would face legal consequences.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, issued the warning during a media engagement organised for journalists and media executives from the South-East, South-South and South-West regions in Enugu.

Haruna expressed concern over political statements capable of encouraging attacks on people involved in election activities, including presiding officers, temporary electoral workers, party agents and election observers.

He urged politicians and their supporters to avoid threats and inflammatory comments, stressing that disagreements over election results should be addressed through legal means rather than violence.

He explained that individuals dissatisfied with election outcomes could submit complaints to INEC, security agencies or approach the courts for redress.

The INEC commissioner also called for stronger cooperation between the electoral body and media organisations to protect democracy and ensure that the 2027 elections are peaceful, credible and transparent.

He described journalists as important partners in the electoral process, noting that public trust in elections was largely influenced by the quality and accuracy of information provided by the media.

Haruna warned media practitioners against publishing false information, unconfirmed election results, manipulated videos and political reports capable of creating tension among Nigerians.

He also cautioned journalists against announcing results before they were officially released by INEC or presenting unofficial figures and election predictions as confirmed results.

According to him, only the Commission’s authorised returning officers have the responsibility to announce official election results, while projections and unofficial figures must be clearly identified.

He further advised journalists to confirm allegations involving INEC through the Commission’s recognised communication channels before making them public.

The commissioner urged media organisations to handle reports of electoral incidents carefully and make a clear distinction between events witnessed directly by reporters and information received from other sources.

He also called for more inclusive election coverage, urging journalists to give adequate attention to women, young people and persons living with disabilities, particularly the difficulties they encounter when participating in elections.

Haruna encouraged media organisations to increase voter education ahead of the polls, especially on the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), voter accreditation, electronic transmission of results and peaceful participation in the electoral process.

At the same event, another speaker, Osaretin Imahheyierobo, called on journalists to maintain professional standards while covering the 2027 elections.