The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Nigeria Police Force have vowed to act against politicians who issue threats ahead of the 2027 elections.
The warning follows growing concerns over inflammatory statements by political actors across Nigeria.
INEC said the Electoral Act allows it to sanction political parties and candidates who breach campaign rules. The police also warned that incitement is a criminal offence. Both agencies spoke with Sunday PUNCH on the rising political rhetoric across the country.
INEC warns politicians against intimidation
INEC said political campaigns must focus on ideas and policies. It also warned against threats aimed at voters, candidates or electoral officials.
The commission said such conduct could amount to intimidation. It may involve threats of physical harm, economic punishment or social exclusion.
INEC Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, said the commission could monitor political campaigns. He added that INEC could sanction parties that breach campaign guidelines.
Oketola said the commission could issue formal queries to erring parties. It could also impose sanctions within its legal powers.
He cited Section 96(7) of the Electoral Act. The provision sets penalties for candidates and political parties that violate campaign rules.
Oketola said political campaigns should be platforms for competing ideas. He added that they should not become platforms for threats or violence.
Police promise arrests and prosecution
The Nigeria Police Force also warned politicians against inflammatory comments.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, described incitement as a criminal offence. He said the police would not spare anyone whose comments threaten public peace.
Iniedu said the police were preparing sensitisation campaigns across their commands. The campaigns will focus on inciting and inflammatory statements ahead of the elections.
“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.
He added that suspects would be investigated and prosecuted where necessary.
“The extant law is already there, and we are going to follow. The moment you are arrested, we will take your statement and charge you to court,” Iniedu said.
Politicians make controversial statements
The warning follows several controversial comments from politicians.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde raised concerns in April. He warned opposition politicians against being forced to join the ruling party.
Makinde referred to the political violence of the First Republic. He also mentioned the infamous “Operation Wetie” crisis.
Former NNPP Board of Trustees Secretary, Buba Galadima, made another controversial remark in May.
He urged Nigerians to go to polling units with bottles and jerrycans of kerosene during the 2027 elections.
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke also warned against election rigging.
Senator Francis Fadahunsi later appeared in a viral video. In the video, he allegedly issued threats against Accord Party members.
Other controversial remarks have emerged in the FCT, Borno, Ebonyi and Yobe states.
The comments have raised fresh concerns about political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Electoral Act bans threats
The Electoral Act 2026 prohibits threats and violence during political campaigns.
Section 97(1) bars threats of force or violence during campaigns.
The provision covers parties, candidates, aspirants and other political actors.
Section 132 also criminalises threats or the use of force during elections.
The law prohibits attempts to influence voters through threats or violence.
A person convicted under the provision may face a N2m fine. The person may also face three years in prison.
Despite these provisions, civil society groups remain concerned.
They argue that politicians often make provocative statements without facing serious consequences.
CSOs demand prosecution
The Executive Secretary of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, called for stronger enforcement.
He urged security agencies to prosecute politicians who violate the law.
Itodo also criticised what he described as unequal treatment of politicians and ordinary citizens.
“It is as if there are two separate justice systems in the country: one for the elites and the other for the masses,” he said.
He warned that political threats could have serious consequences.
According to him, rising tension could trigger violence and reduce voter participation.
Human rights lawyer Jiti Ogunye also called for stronger action. He said politicians should persuade voters instead of threatening them.
Ogunye noted that threats are offences under the Electoral Act and other laws. He urged the police to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
Constitutional lawyer Victor Opatola also called for sanctions within political parties. He said parties should punish members who make inflammatory statements.
APC denies encouraging violence
The ruling All Progressives Congress rejected claims that it promotes political violence. APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, said the party does not encourage threats against opponents.
“Our party does not engage in violent campaigns or use threats or inflammatory language. We believe in campaigning on the achievements of our party in government at all levels,” he said.
Basiru also condemned attempts to exploit religious and ethnic divisions for political purposes.
Meanwhile, INEC and the police have maintained that political actors must obey the law. Their warnings come as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
The agencies said threats and inflammatory rhetoric would not be allowed to undermine the electoral process.
