2027: INEC warns parties against violence, hate speech

The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned political parties and candidates against violence, hate speech, disinformation and the use of armed groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja at the signing of the First National Peace Accord, urging political actors to abide by their commitments under the agreement.

Amupitan said campaigns and rallies for the 2027 elections would officially commence on Wednesday, August 19, stressing that the credibility of the polls would depend not only on INEC but also on the conduct of political parties and their candidates.

He said, “As we commence campaigns tomorrow, political parties and candidates must focus on issues, policies and programmes rather than character assassination, identity politics and inflammatory rhetoric.”

The INEC chairman also cautioned against incitement and the spread of digital disinformation, warning that the deployment of private armed groups could undermine the electoral process before election day.

“Let me be clear: there must be no violence, hate speech, incitement, disinformation or the use of private armed groups in the 2027 elections,” Amupitan said.

He urged party leaders and candidates to ensure that their supporters at the state, local government and grassroots levels also respected the provisions of the peace accord.

According to him, “The responsibility for peaceful elections does not rest with INEC alone. Political parties, candidates, their supporters and all other stakeholders have a critical role to play.”