INEC, Police Move to Stop Political Threats Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Nigeria Police Force have warned politicians against making threats and inflammatory statements as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Both institutions said they are prepared to take action against politicians whose words or actions threaten public peace, voters, opponents or the electoral process.

INEC said the Electoral Act gives it powers to monitor political campaigns and take administrative action against political parties and candidates who violate electoral rules.

The police also warned that incitement is a criminal offence and anyone found making statements capable of causing violence could be arrested, investigated and prosecuted.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over statements made by some political actors across different parts of the country as parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections.

Some of the remarks have involved threats against political opponents, warnings to supporters and references to past political violence.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, for instance, recently referred to the violence of the First Republic while warning against attempts to force politicians to defect to another party.

Former NNPP Board of Trustees Secretary Buba Galadima also attracted attention after making a controversial call involving kerosene and polling centres while speaking at a political gathering in Abuja.

In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke warned that the people would resist any attempt to rig the governorship election, while Senator Francis Fadahunsi was also captured in a video making threatening remarks against members of the Accord Party.

Other controversial statements have emerged from political actors in the Federal Capital Territory, Borno, Ebonyi and Yobe states.

INEC said political campaigns should focus on competing ideas and policies rather than creating fear among voters and political opponents.

The commission warned that intimidation could take different forms, including threats of physical harm, economic punishment or social exclusion aimed at forcing people to support a particular candidate or party.

Under the Electoral Act 2026, threatening or using force or violence to influence voters is an offence. A person convicted under the relevant provision can face a fine of up to N2 million or three years in prison.

INEC also said candidates found guilty of certain campaign offences could face fines or imprisonment, while political parties could also be sanctioned.

The police said it would not allow politicians to use inflammatory statements to heat up the political atmosphere ahead of the elections.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, said the police would intensify public education on incitement and ensure that existing laws were enforced.

Civil society organisations, however, want security agencies to go beyond warnings and invitations by prosecuting politicians whose statements violate the law.

Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa said failure to punish political actors could encourage more people to make threatening statements and create an environment where violence becomes more likely.

Human rights lawyer Jiti Ogunye also called for stronger enforcement, arguing that politicians should persuade voters through policies and ideas rather than threats.

The concerns come as Nigeria prepares for another major election cycle, with political parties already increasing mobilisation and positioning themselves for the 2027 polls.

INEC and the police have therefore warned that political ambition will not excuse anyone from obeying the law, stressing that those who cross the line into threats, intimidation or incitement could face consequences.

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