ENUGU — Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemned the use of violent political rhetoric, specifically targeting the “rig and die” slogan gaining traction among political actors ahead of the January 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a media engagement forum for journalists in Enugu on Monday, INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna warned that inflammatory language puts voters, election observers, and ad hoc staff at severe physical risk.
Mr. Haruna stressed that electoral disputes must be addressed strictly through legal channels, including security agencies and the courts, rather than through incitement to violence. He added that any electoral officer found compromising the poll’s integrity would face criminal prosecution.
“Results are declared only by the Commission through its duly appointed returning officers. Projections and unofficial figures must be clearly labelled as such,” Haruna said, urging media organizations to avoid premature declarations, sensationalism, and unverified leaks.
Media ethics and voter card distribution
The forum highlighted the crucial role of the press in upholding democratic standards, with media expert Osaretin Imahheyierobo calling on news outlets to set up dedicated fact-checking desks and familiarize reporters with the Electoral Act 2026.
Imahheyierobo cautioned journalists against publishing unverified claims or amplifying violent rhetoric, stressing the need to provide fair and equitable coverage to all political parties.
Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, Chukwuemeka Chukwu, announced that INEC has received 35,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for distribution across 260 wards in the state, calling on the press to assist in public sensitization efforts.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Enugu, Obinna Ogbuka, welcomed the engagement but urged INEC to take concrete measures to restore public confidence following past operational challenges, while also calling for better logistical support for reporters covering the 2027 polls.
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