The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians against using the slogan “rig and die” ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the expression as dangerous rhetoric capable of inciting electoral violence.
The Commission also vowed to prosecute electoral officials, including ad hoc staff, found guilty of compromising the integrity of elections.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, issued the warning during a media engagement forum in Enugu involving journalists and media executives from the South-East, South-South and South-West.
Haruna cautioned political actors against inflammatory statements and threats that could endanger presiding officers, temporary election workers, party agents and observers.
He urged aggrieved politicians to seek redress through lawful channels, including INEC complaints, security agencies and the courts, rather than resorting to violence.
INEC Warns Against Fake Election Results
Haruna called for stronger collaboration between INEC and the media, describing journalists as critical stakeholders in ensuring credible, transparent and peaceful elections.
He warned that misinformation, manipulated videos, unverified results and sensational political reports could undermine public confidence and trigger unrest.
The commissioner specifically cautioned journalists against announcing election results prematurely or presenting unofficial figures and projections as results declared by INEC.
He stressed that only duly appointed returning officers have the authority to declare official election results.
Haruna also urged media organisations to verify allegations involving INEC through its official channels before publication and clearly distinguish eyewitness accounts from information obtained through other sources.
He advocated inclusive election coverage, particularly concerning women, youths and persons with disabilities.
He further encouraged journalists to intensify voter education on Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), accreditation procedures, electronic transmission of results and peaceful electoral participation.
INEC Urges Journalists to Uphold Professional Ethics
Another resource person, Osaretin Imahheyierobo, urged journalists to familiarise themselves with the Electoral Act 2026, INEC’s election coverage guidelines and the Nigerian Broadcasting Code.
He expressed concern over the inadequate knowledge of electoral laws and regulations among some journalists covering elections.
Imahheyierobo recommended the establishment of dedicated election desks, clear editorial policies and stronger fact-checking mechanisms ahead of the 2027 polls.
He also urged journalists to understand INEC’s technological platforms, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), to avoid inaccurate reports.
He warned against accepting financial inducements, commonly known as brown envelopes, and urged journalists to scrutinise candidates’ promises, manifestoes and public claims.
He also called for fair media access for all political parties and candidates to enable voters to make informed decisions.
INEC Receives 35,000 PVCs for Enugu Distribution
Earlier, Enugu State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, disclosed that INEC had received approximately 35,000 Permanent Voter Cards for distribution across the state’s 260 wards.
Chukwu appealed to journalists to support public awareness campaigns encouraging eligible voters to collect their PVCs.
He described the media as an important partner in voter education, public enlightenment and electoral accountability.
The REC reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections in 2027, while encouraging constructive criticism from media stakeholders.
NUJ Raises Concerns Over Election Coverage Logistics
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, commended INEC for organising the engagement.
However, he expressed concern that the initiative had started late and questioned the apparent lack of adequate budgetary provisions for journalists’ logistics during election assignments.
Ogbuka argued that journalists required sufficient logistical support to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
He also urged INEC to take deliberate steps to rebuild public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.
Participants at the forum commended INEC’s preparations but called for improvements in areas affected by previous electoral challenges.
They particularly highlighted technical difficulties associated with electronic transmission of results during the 2023 presidential election.
The participants also urged INEC to strengthen its relationship with journalists, describing the media as indispensable to credible elections and democratic accountability.
