Coalition warns that inflammatory campaign language could threaten peace ahead of 2027 elections

By: Chioma Vivian James

The Coalition for Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice (CCSPSGEJ) has commended the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joas Amupitan, for warning political parties and candidates against the use of abusive, intemperate and inflammatory language ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition described the warning as timely and necessary, stressing that responsible political communication is critical to preventing election-related violence and protecting the safety of citizens.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, September 13, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade James Okoronkwo, CCSPSGEJ particularly welcomed INEC’s reminder that the Electoral Act 2026 prescribes a fine of ₦10 million and up to 12 months imprisonment for the use of abusive, intemperate or inflammatory language during election campaigns.

The coalition said the provision demonstrates the importance of holding political actors accountable for their words and actions, particularly in a country where inflammatory rhetoric has historically contributed to tension and violence.

According to CCSPSGEJ, Nigeria’s recent electoral history provides sufficient warning of the consequences of divisive political communication.

It recalled that the 2011 post-election crisis was accompanied by widespread unrest, loss of lives and displacement, while the 2015 and 2019 election cycles witnessed the use of hate speech, ethnic profiling and threats against voters in some parts of the country.

The coalition also noted that the 2023 elections recorded incidents of voter intimidation, destruction of campaign materials and attacks associated with inflammatory statements by political actors and their supporters.

Beyond election periods, CCSPSGEJ observed that similar rhetoric has contributed to communal tensions, farmer-herder conflicts and other security challenges, arguing that repeated insults, threats and dehumanising language can deepen mistrust and create an environment conducive to violence.

It therefore urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and ensure that their campaigns focus on issues, policies, records and development rather than personal attacks or divisive rhetoric.

Calls for Transparent Enforcement

To ensure that INEC’s warning translates into concrete action ahead of the 2027 elections, CCSPSGEJ called on the electoral commission to enforce the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act uniformly and without exception.

The coalition stressed that enforcement must cut across political parties, geographical zones, religious affiliations and levels of elective office, maintaining that no candidate or political actor should be considered above the law.

It also urged INEC to publish clear enforcement guidelines and establish a publicly accessible mechanism through which citizens can monitor reported violations and sanctions.

CCSPSGEJ further called for the establishment of rapid-response mechanisms involving relevant security and regulatory agencies to investigate and sanction verified electoral offences promptly.

According to the coalition, such mechanisms would strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and serve as a deterrent to political actors who may otherwise exploit delays in enforcement.

The group also urged INEC to intensify voter education and civic engagement programmes to enable Nigerians to identify, reject and report hate speech, threats and other forms of divisive political communication.

It called for stronger collaboration between INEC, the media and civil society organisations to monitor campaign content across radio, television and digital platforms while promoting accurate information and countering misinformation.

‘2027 Must Not Be a Repeat’

CCSPSGEJ maintained that elections should be a contest of ideas, policies and records rather than a battle of insults, ethnic slurs and threats.

The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to peace, security, equity and good governance, saying it would support efforts by INEC and other stakeholders to promote a peaceful and credible electoral process.

It called on political leaders and their supporters to demonstrate patriotism by campaigning with decorum and respect for human dignity.

The coalition concluded with a strong reminder that the foundation for a peaceful 2027 election must be laid well before the polls, noting that the language used by political actors today could shape the atmosphere in which Nigerians vote tomorrow.