The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemned the “rig and die” slogan being popularised by some political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that it could expose innocent Nigerians to electoral violence.
The Commission also vowed that any electoral official, including ad hoc personnel, found to have compromised the electoral process would face the full weight of the law.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, gave the warnings at a media engagement forum for journalists and media executives from the South-East, South-South and South-West geopolitical zones in Enugu.
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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.
He stressed that disagreements over electoral outcomes should be resolved through lawful channels, including complaints to INEC, security agencies and the courts, rather than violence.
The National Commissioner also sought stronger collaboration with the media to safeguard democracy and ensure credible, peaceful and transparent conduct of the 2027 elections.
Describing the media as critical to electoral credibility, he said public confidence in the electoral process depended largely on the accuracy, fairness and professionalism of election reporting.
He cautioned journalists against spreading misinformation, unverified results, manipulated videos and inflammatory political narratives capable of undermining public confidence and triggering violence.
Haruna particularly warned against premature declaration of results, sensational reporting and presenting projections as official results.
“Results are declared only by the Commission through its duly appointed returning officers. Projections and unofficial figures must be clearly labelled as such,” he said.
He urged journalists to verify allegations against INEC through its official channels before publication and report electoral incidents with sensitivity, distinguishing between events personally witnessed and information obtained from other sources.
The National 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 (PVCs), accreditation procedures, electronic transmission of results and peaceful participation.
Culled from Vanguard
