Follow Us on Google
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemned the “rig and die” slogan being promoted by some political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such rhetoric could incite violence and endanger innocent Nigerians during the electoral process.
The Commission also warned that any electoral official, including ad hoc personnel, found compromising the integrity of the polls would face the full weight of the law.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, issued the warnings at a media engagement forum for journalists and media executives from the South-East, South-South and South-West geopolitical zones in Enugu.
Haruna cautioned politicians against inflammatory statements and threats capable of putting presiding officers, ad hoc staff, party agents and election observers at risk.
He stressed that disagreements over election outcomes must be addressed through lawful channels, including complaints to INEC, security agencies and the courts, rather than resorting to violence.
The national commissioner also called for stronger collaboration between INEC and the media to protect democracy and ensure credible, peaceful and transparent conduct of the 2027 elections.
He described the media as a critical partner in the electoral process, noting that public confidence in elections depended largely on accurate, fair and professional reporting.
Haruna warned journalists against spreading misinformation, unverified results, manipulated videos and inflammatory political narratives capable of undermining public trust and triggering violence.
He particularly cautioned against premature declaration of results, sensational reporting and the presentation of projections as official results.
“Results are declared only by the Commission through its duly appointed returning officers. Projections and unofficial figures must be clearly labelled as such,” he said.
He urged journalists to verify allegations against INEC through its official channels before publication and report electoral incidents responsibly, clearly distinguishing between events they witnessed and information obtained from other sources.
Haruna also called for inclusive election coverage that gives adequate attention to women, youths and persons with disabilities, while urging media organisations to intensify voter education on Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), accreditation procedures, electronic transmission of results and peaceful participation.
