The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemned the "rig and die" slogan popularized by some political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that it could expose innocent Nigerians to electoral violence. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, gave the warnings at a media engagement forum in Enugu. Haruna cautioned politicians against inflammatory rhetoric and threats capable of endangering ordinary Nigerians engaged as presiding officers, ad hoc staff, party agents and election observers.
Haruna stressed that disagreements over electoral outcomes should be resolved through lawful channels, including complaints to INEC, security agencies and the courts, rather than violence. He sought stronger collaboration with the media to safeguard democracy and ensure credible, peaceful and transparent conduct of the 2027 elections. The National Commissioner described the media as critical to electoral credibility, saying public confidence in the electoral process depended largely on the accuracy, fairness and professionalism of election reporting.
Haruna cautioned journalists against spreading misinformation, unverified results, manipulated videos and inflammatory political narratives capable of undermining public confidence and triggering violence. He particularly warned against premature declaration of results, sensational reporting and presenting projections as official results. Journalists were urged to verify allegations against INEC through its official channels before publication and report electoral incidents with sensitivity.
The National Commissioner called for inclusive election reporting that gives adequate attention to women, youths and persons with disabilities, particularly the challenges they face in participating in the electoral process. He urged media organisations to intensify voter education, especially on Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), accreditation procedures, electronic transmission of results and peaceful participation. INEC distributed 35,000 PVCs in Enugu, with the Enugu State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, urging journalists to support public enlightenment on their collection.
Chukwu described the media as a strategic partner in voter education, shaping public opinion and holding institutions accountable, but warned that misinformation could undermine electoral credibility. He assured that the Commission remained committed to conducting an acceptable, transparent, inclusive and peaceful 2027 general election, adding that it was open to constructive criticism and recommendations from media stakeholders.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, commended INEC for organising the engagement but regretted that the initiative had not started early enough to allow more journalists to benefit from the training before the commencement of the election cycle. Ogbuka also expressed concern over the apparent lack of budgetary provision for journalists' logistics during election assignments.
Other presentations at the one-day engagement addressed the legal and regulatory frameworks governing elections, provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and rules guiding the publication and announcement of election results. Participants commended INEC for its preparations for the 2027 elections but urged the Commission to address shortcomings that marred previous polls, particularly the technical glitches that affected electronic transmission of results during the 2023 presidential election.
Key points
- INEC vows to sanction electoral officials who compromise the electoral process.
- The Commission urges journalists to uphold ethics and verify allegations through official channels.
- Media practitioners call for INEC to start treating journalists as critical stakeholders in the electoral process.
