INEC condemns ‘rig and die’ slogan as it vows sanctions for electoral offenders

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemned the use of the “rig and die” slogan by some political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such rhetoric could put election workers and other Nigerians at risk of violence.

Mohammed Kudu Haruna, an INEC national commissioner and chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, issued the warning at a forum in Enugu for journalists and media executives from the South-East, South-South and South-West.

Haruna said threats and inflammatory language could endanger presiding officers, temporary election workers, party agents and observers. He urged anyone disputing an election outcome to use lawful channels, including lodging complaints with INEC or security agencies and seeking redress through the courts.

He also said electoral officials, including ad hoc personnel, would face legal consequences if found to have compromised the process.

Haruna called for closer cooperation between INEC and the media to support peaceful, transparent and credible elections. He said public confidence in the process depended in large part on accurate, fair and professional reporting.

He warned journalists against circulating unverified results or manipulated videos, publishing sensational reports and amplifying inflammatory political claims. He also cautioned against declaring results prematurely or presenting projections as official figures.

“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.

Haruna urged journalists to verify allegations involving INEC through its official channels before publication and to report electoral incidents sensitively. He said reports should distinguish between events journalists witnessed themselves and accounts obtained from other sources.

He also called for greater coverage of the barriers women, young people and persons with disabilities face in participating in elections. He urged media organisations to expand voter education on Permanent Voter Cards, accreditation procedures, electronic transmission of results and peaceful participation in the polls.