morganable politics/elections
INEC noted that the Electoral Act empowers it to monitor political campaigns and take administrative action against parties and candidates found to have violated provisions guiding conduct during elections
KaNo—
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force have vowed to clamp down on politicians issuing threats and making inflammatory statements as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Both institutions raised concerns over what they described as a growing pattern of inciting rhetoric by political actors, warning that such conduct could undermine peaceful campaigns and electoral integrity if left unchecked.
Speaking in separate interviews, officials of the electoral body and the police stressed that existing laws provide clear sanctions against individuals and groups who resort to threats, intimidation, or violence in pursuit of political advantage.
INEC noted that the Electoral Act empowers it to monitor political campaigns and take administrative action against parties and candidates found to have violated provisions guiding conduct during elections.
INEC Says Campaign Must Be Devoid Of Violence
The commission emphasised that campaigns must remain issue-based and devoid of language capable of instilling fear among voters or political opponents.
Similarly, the police declared that incitement constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law and warned that anyone found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted.
The warnings come amid a series of controversial statements by politicians across the country, which have heightened tensions and raised fears of a potential escalation of political violence as the 2027 polls
Gov Makinde Accused Of Inciting Violence
One of the earliest remarks that drew widespread attention was made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Speaking at a meeting of opposition political leaders in Ibadan on April 25, Makinde cautioned against coercing politicians to defect to the ruling party.
He invoked “Operation Wetie,” a term associated with widespread violence in the Western Region during the 1960s.
“Those acting as if there’s no tomorrow should remember that Operation Wetie started from here. This is the same Wild Wild West,” he said.
The comment sparked debate, with some observers interpreting it as a cautionary historical reference, while others viewed it as capable of inflaming political tensions.
Days later, a former Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Buba Galadima, generated further controversy during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement.
Galadima urged Nigerians to go to polling units during the 2027 elections with “bottles and jerry cans of kerosene,” a statement widely condemned as inciting violence.
“And during the elections, whether I am alive or dead, go to the polling centres with your bottles and jerrycans of kerosene. Either they do what is right, or we all die there,” he said.
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke also stirred reactions when he declared that the people of the state would resist any attempt to rig the August 15 governorship election.
He referenced the disputed 1983 elections, warning against a repeat of past injustices.
“Osun will not agree. We want a free and fair election,” he said.
Adding to the growing list of controversial remarks, Senator Francis Fadahunsi was captured in a viral video allegedly issuing death threats to members of the Accord Party in the Ilesa area of the state.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Shekwolo, reportedly warned that residents who did not support the ruling All Progressives Congress should leave the area, a statement critics described as intimidation.
Similar threats were reported in other parts of the country. In Borno State, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, allegedly threatened punitive action against those who refused to support the ruling party.
In Ebonyi State, the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Eze Ituma, warned opposition supporters against conducting political activities in the council, suggesting that violators could be declared persona non grata.
Meanwhile, in Yobe State, the All Progressives Congress Chairman, Muhammad Gadaka, drew criticism after urging married women to seek divorce from husbands who prevented them from voting for the party, even offering to pay dowries.
Electoral Act Forbids Use Of Threats, Violence
Under the Electoral Act 2026, threats and the use of force during political campaigns are expressly prohibited. Section 97(1) bars any individual or group from directly or indirectly threatening another person with violence to compel political support.
Section 132 further criminalises the use or threat of force to influence voting behaviour. Offenders risk a fine of N2 million or imprisonment for up to three years upon conviction.
Despite these provisions, civil society organisations argue that weak enforcement has emboldened politicians to continue making provocative statements.
The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, called on authorities to move beyond warnings and ensure accountability through prosecution.
He said consistent enforcement of the law would serve as a deterrent and help restore public confidence in the electoral process.
Similarly, human rights lawyer Jiti Ogunye urged law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against violators, stressing that failure to do so could legitimise impunity.
The commission explained that rhetoric crosses into illegality when it involves threats of physical harm, economic reprisals, or social exclusion aimed at influencing political choices.
It also warned that campaigns must not create an atmosphere of fear capable of discouraging voter participation or disenfranchising specific groups.
According to INEC’s media aide, Adedayo Oketola, political engagement should be centred on ideas and policies rather than hostility.
“Political campaigns should be platforms of competing ideas, not theatres of war,” he said, adding that the commission has powers to issue queries and sanction erring political parties.
The police echoed similar sentiments, reiterating their readiness to enforce the law and maintain public order before, during, and after the elections.
As Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, analysts say the conduct of political actors will play a critical role in determining the credibility and peacefulness of the polls.
