Chidinma Iroegbu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties and candidates against inflammatory statements ahead of the 2027 general elections, while ADC presidential hopeful Peter Obi has called for credible polls that reflect the will of Nigerians.
INEC said politicians found guilty of making abusive, threatening or inciting statements during campaigns could face sanctions under the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission’s Director of Legal Services, Adedayo Oketola, said the law prohibits campaign language capable of inflaming ethnic, religious, tribal or sectional sentiments.
Under the new law, an individual convicted of making such statements may be fined up to N5 million or sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Political parties may also be fined N10 million for a first offence and N2 million for subsequent offences.
Obi, meanwhile, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and protect their votes, stressing the need for INEC to ensure that the outcome of the 2027 election reflects the choice of the electorate.
He said insecurity, unemployment, poverty, healthcare and education remained major concerns for Nigerians, urging political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on issues affecting citizens.
“What worries me is the people and how they will protect their votes on election day. The votes of the people must be counted,” Obi said.
Also speaking on the political landscape, Datti Baba-Ahmed questioned the capacity of some major opposition contenders to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing President Bola Tinubu of weakening opposition parties.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on Northern youths to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing the removal of petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms as difficult but necessary measures.
Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke criticised Nigeria’s democratic experience, saying citizens had yet to fully enjoy the benefits of democracy in areas including education, healthcare, electricity, employment and infrastructure.
“Are we better off today than we were in 1999? Hardly so,” Duke said.