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. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, warned that the slogan could expose innocent Nigerians to electoral violence. He gave the warning 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 making inflammatory statements and threats capable of endangering Nigerians engaged as presiding officers, ad hoc staff, party agents and election observers. He emphasized that disagreements over election outcomes should be addressed through lawful channels, including complaints to INEC, security agencies and the courts, rather than resorting to violence. This, he said, would help to ensure the peaceful conduct of the 2027 elections.
The National Commissioner also called for stronger collaboration between INEC and the media to safeguard democracy and ensure credible, peaceful and transparent conduct of the 2027 elections. He described the media as a critical stakeholder in the electoral process, saying public confidence in elections depended largely on the accuracy, fairness and professionalism of election reporting. Haruna urged journalists to be mindful of their role in promoting credible elections.
Haruna warned journalists against spreading misinformation, unverified results, manipulated videos and inflammatory political narratives capable of undermining public confidence and triggering violence. He particularly cautioned 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.
The commissioner further 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, accreditation procedures, electronic transmission of results and peaceful participation. This, he said, would help to promote a more inclusive and credible electoral process.
In a presentation on Ethical and Professional Standards in Election Reporting, Osaretin Imahheyierobo urged journalists to familiarise themselves with the Electoral Act 2026, INEC's election coverage guidelines and the Nigerian Broadcasting Code. He regretted that many journalists covering elections were unfamiliar with the legislative and regulatory frameworks governing electoral reporting. Imahheyierobo challenged media organisations to establish dedicated election desks and fact-checking mechanisms ahead of the 2027 polls.
Imahheyierobo also urged media organisations to establish editorial guidelines for election reporting. He said this would help to ensure that journalists adhere to professional standards and promote credible elections. The presentation was part of efforts to promote ethical and professional election reporting in Nigeria.
Key points
- INEC warns politicians against 'rig and die' slogan and inflammatory statements ahead of 2027 elections.
