The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians, party agents, and its own officials against manipulating votes in the 2027 general elections, warning that those who do so could face imprisonment and fines.
Prof. Samuel Egwu, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau State, issued this warning on Tuesday in Jos at a stakeholders’ meeting with political party leaders and candidates.
Egwu called the meeting a vital engagement ahead of the elections, noting that political parties and candidates had important roles to play in guaranteeing a credible electoral process.
He explained that the meeting was intended to give stakeholders key electoral information and remind them of their legal responsibilities.
“This is the most important meeting I will be having with stakeholders, the parties, and their candidates. You are the key game-changers in the ongoing campaigns and in the elections we are going to conduct in two phases: the Presidential and National Assembly elections on the 16th of January and the Governorship and State Assembly elections in February,” the INEC REC stated.
The REC stated that electoral offenses, particularly those involving interference with the integrity of votes, could attract legal sanctions.
“As I sit here with my Heads of Department and Electoral Officers, I have told them that there are provisions in the law; if they breach them, particularly if they tamper with the integrity of the vote, they will go to jail. It is the same with anyone else who would want to tamper with the integrity of votes,” he said.
Egwu also warned against excessive spending during elections, noting that although campaigns required funding, the misuse of money could undermine electoral credibility.
“Money is very important in the electoral process. In fact, without money, you cannot contest an election. But when you deploy too much money, then it becomes a problem,” he added.
He voiced concern about the low turnout at the meeting and stated that the commission would examine its invitation process to guarantee broader participation in future engagements.
In his own remarks, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Faniyan Ayodeji, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Nengi Jephtha, stated that accurate information and adherence to electoral guidelines were vital for preventing violence and conflict.
“My first point is on the importance of information. When participants in an election are properly informed and abide by that information, it helps to mitigate violence and conflict,” he said.
Ayodeji also raised concern about the weak representation of political parties at the meeting, especially those contesting the upcoming elections.
He called on party leaders and candidates to treat stakeholders’ engagements seriously and to attend meetings convened to discuss electoral preparations.
The police commissioner gave assurance that the force remained committed to ensuring credible and peaceful elections but noted that compliance by politicians with electoral rules would make the task easier.
