INEC Warns Politicians, Officials Against Vote Tampering Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians, party agents and its officials against tampering with votes during the 2027 general elections, cautioning that offenders could face imprisonment and fines.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Plateau State, Professor Samuel Egwu, issued the warning on Tuesday in Jos during a stakeholders’ meeting with political party leaders and candidates.

Egwu described the meeting as a critical engagement ahead of the elections, noting that political parties and candidates had important roles to play in ensuring a credible electoral process.

He said the meeting was organised to provide stakeholders with essential electoral information and remind them of their responsibilities under the law.

“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,” Egwu said.

He referred to the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, as well as the governorship and State Assembly elections expected in February.

The REC stressed that electoral offences, particularly those involving interference with the integrity of votes, would attract legal consequences. He said INEC officials would not be exempt from sanctions if they violated the law.

“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, acknowledging that campaigns required funding but cautioning that the excessive deployment 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.

The REC expressed concern over the low attendance at the stakeholders’ meeting, saying the commission would review its invitation process to improve participation in future engagements.

Also speaking, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Faniyan Ayodeji, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Nengi Jephtha, said access to accurate information and compliance with electoral guidelines were essential to preventing violence and conflict.

Jephtha urged political party leaders and candidates to take stakeholders’ meetings seriously and follow the regulations issued by electoral authorities. He added that the police would find it easier to maintain peace if political actors complied with electoral rules.

The police commissioner reaffirmed the force’s commitment to supporting peaceful and credible elections, urging political stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies to prevent violence during the electoral process.