INEC warns politicians against ‘rig and die’ threats ahead of 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians against popularising the “rig and die” slogan ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying such rhetoric could expose innocent Nigerians to electoral violence.

Mohammed Haruna, chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, gave the warning during a media engagement held on Monday in Enugu.

The programme was themed, ‘Ethical and Professional Standards in Election Reporting Ahead of the 2027 General Elections’.

Haruna, who was represented by Chukwuemeka Chukwu, Enugu State Resident Electoral Commissioner, cautioned political actors against inflammatory statements and threats capable of endangering Nigerians engaged as presiding officers, ad hoc staff, party agents and election observers.

He said disagreements over electoral outcomes should be addressed through lawful channels, including complaints to INEC, security agencies and the courts, rather than resorting to violence.

The electoral commissioner also called for stronger collaboration between INEC and the media to protect democracy and ensure credible, peaceful and transparent elections in 2027.

He noted that public confidence in the electoral process largely depends on accurate, fair and professional election reporting.

Haruna warned journalists against spreading misinformation, unverified results, manipulated videos and inflammatory political narratives that could undermine public trust and trigger violence.

He particularly cautioned against premature result declarations, 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 the commission’s official channels before publication and report electoral incidents with sensitivity.

In October, former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, warned that anyone who rigged the 2027 general elections could be killed.

Omo-Agege, who is seeking election to the Delta Central senatorial seat under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), made the threat at a political event in his constituency.

“I want to make the news again. Anybody who rigs the election on that day, we will kill him! If you don’t value your life, come and rig the election,” he said.

“They’re rigging your future. They’re rigging the future of your children. We’re waiting for them. Let them try it. It is rig and die. We’re going to give them aura for aura. There’s no court this time. We’re going to fight.”

Similarly, Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, said his camp would “rig those who rig” the 2027 elections.

Obi stressed the need for electoral integrity to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.

“Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it,” he said.