The “rig and die” slogan that some political actors are popularising ahead of the 2027 elections could expose innocent Nigerians to electoral violence, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned. Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, spoke on this during a media engagement 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 (REC), cautioned politicians against inflammatory rhetoric and threats capable of endangering ordinary Nigerians who are engaged as presiding officers, ad-hoc staff, party agents and election observers. He said disagreements over electoral outcomes should be resolved through lawful channels, including complaints to INEC, security agencies and the courts, instead of violence. Haruna emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with the media to safeguard democracy and ensure credible, peaceful and transparent conduct of the 2027 elections. The National Electoral Commissioner said public confidence in the electoral process depended largely on the accuracy, fairness and professionalism of election reporting. He cautioned journalists against spreading misinformation, unverified results, manipulated videos and inflammatory political narratives capable of undermining public confidence and triggering violence. Haruna particularly warned against premature declaration of results, sensational reporting and presenting projections as official results. Said he: “Results are declared only by the Commission through its duly appointed returning officers. Projections and unofficial figures must be clearly labelled as such”.. He asked journalists to verify allegations against INEC through its official channels before publication and report electoral incidents with sensitivity. Ovie Omo-Agege, a former Deputy President of the Senate, in October warned that anyone who rigs the 2027 general election could be killed. Omo-Agege, who is seeking election to the Delta central senatorial seat under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), issued the threat at a political event in his constituency. Said he: “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. “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, standard-bearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said his camp would “rig those who rig” the 2027 elections. Obi emphasised the need for electoral integrity to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system. Added he: “Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it”.