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

Politics

By Linda Ikeji
9 November 2026, 3:27 pm

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemned the usage of the “rig and die” slogan by some political actors forward of the 2027 common elections, warning that such rhetoric may put election staff and different Nigerians susceptible to violence.

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

Haruna stated threats and inflammatory language may endanger presiding officers, non permanent election staff, social gathering brokers and observers. He urged anybody disputing an election final result to make use of lawful channels, together with lodging complaints with INEC or safety companies and looking for redress by way of the courts.

He additionally stated electoral officers, together with advert hoc personnel, would face authorized penalties if discovered to have compromised the method.

Haruna known as for nearer cooperation between INEC and the media to help peaceable, clear and credible elections. He stated public confidence within the course of depended largely on correct, honest {and professional} reporting.

He warned journalists towards circulating unverified outcomes or manipulated movies, publishing sensational stories and amplifying inflammatory political claims. He additionally cautioned towards declaring outcomes 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 stated.

Haruna urged journalists to confirm allegations involving INEC by way of its official channels earlier than publication and to report electoral incidents sensitively. He stated stories ought to distinguish between occasions journalists witnessed themselves and accounts obtained from different sources.

He additionally known as for higher protection of the obstacles ladies, younger individuals and individuals with disabilities face in taking part in elections. He urged media organisations to increase voter schooling on Permanent Voter Cards, accreditation procedures, digital transmission of outcomes and peaceable participation within the polls.