INEC condemns 'rig and die' slogan, warns of sanctions for electoral fraud

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong condemnation of the "rig and die" slogan, which has been promoted by certain political actors in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The Commission warned that such inflammatory rhetoric poses a significant risk of inciting violence and endangering innocent Nigerians during the electoral process. The Independent National Electoral Commission declared that the full force of the law would be applied to any electoral staff member, whether permanent or temporary, who was discovered to be undermining the upcoming vote.

Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who serves as the INEC National Commissioner and heads the Information and Voter Education Committee, delivered these alerts while addressing a gathering of press professionals in Enugu. Participants in this forum included news reporters and media leaders representing the South-East, South-South, and South-West regions of the country. Haruna advised political figures to refrain from issuing threats or remarks that might endanger the safety of presiding officers, temporary staff, party representatives, and election monitors. He stressed that disputes over voting results should be settled via legal means, such as submitting grievances to INEC, law enforcement bodies, or the judiciary, instead of resorting to physical force.

Background

The 2027 general elections are approaching, and tensions have risen due to the circulation of slogans advocating for electoral rigging. In response, INEC has sought to clarify its stance on both political conduct and media responsibility. Characterizing the press as an essential ally in the voting process, Haruna pointed out that the public's belief in the election depends significantly on journalism that is precise, impartial, and professional. Consequently, he urged stronger collaboration between the Commission and media organisations to protect democracy and ensure the credible, peaceful, and transparent conduct of the elections.

As part of this engagement, another resource person, Mr Osaretin Imahheyierobo, presented on ethical and professional standards in election reporting. He encouraged news workers to acquaint themselves with the 2026 Electoral Act, the specific coverage rules set by INEC, and the Nigerian Broadcasting Code. He expressed regret that many journalists are not fully acquainted with these regulatory frameworks, which are essential for maintaining professional standards during high-stakes electoral periods.

Why it matters

The Commission’s stance aims to mitigate the risk of electoral violence, which has historically affected Nigerian elections. Haruna explicitly cautioned reporters to avoid disseminating false information, unconfirmed tallies, doctored footage, or provocative political stories that might erode public faith and incite disorder. He highlighted the danger of premature declarations of results and the presentation of projections as official figures. The electoral body clarified that only its officially designated returning officers can announce results, and any non-official estimates or forecasts must be explicitly identified as such to prevent misunderstanding.

Furthermore, the Commission is advocating for inclusive election coverage. Haruna called for media organisations to give adequate attention to the participation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities, recognising the specific challenges they face in the electoral process. He also urged the media to intensify voter education efforts, focusing on key areas such as the use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), accreditation procedures, the electronic transmission of results, and the importance of peaceful participation. By distinguishing between witnessed events and second-hand information, journalists can help maintain the stability of the electoral environment.

What happens next

INEC expects media partners to verify any allegations against the Commission through its official channels before publication. The Commission will continue to monitor the conduct of electoral officials and is prepared to enforce legal sanctions against those who compromise the integrity of the 2027 polls. The emphasis remains on resolving disputes through established legal and institutional mechanisms to ensure a peaceful transition and credible electoral outcomes.