In a pointed intervention on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner and lawyer Festus Okoye has strongly cautioned Nigerians against resorting to force, violence, or taking the law into their own hands in response to perceived electoral offences, including election rigging.
Speaking during a discussion titled “2027 Election and the Controversies: Election Rigging and the Law,” Okoye referenced Section 132 of the Electoral Act (now the Electoral Act 2026) and made clear that the law does not permit any individual to use force or violence against another person, even in cases of suspected electoral malpractice.
“No individual, even under section 132 of the Electoral Act is permitted to treating anybody with use of force or with violence. If you believe someone has committed an offence during an election period, your responsibility is to report the person to the lawful security agencies for them to take action, but not to incite people to take the law into their own hands,” Okoye stated.
Understanding Section 132
Section 132 of the Electoral Act deals with the offence of “Threatening.” It criminalises the direct or indirect use or threat of force, violence, or restraint; the infliction or threat of injury, harm, or loss to influence voting; the use of abduction, duress, or fraudulent means to impede free voting; and the obstruction of political aspirants’ access to media, vehicles, or campaign activities. Conviction under the section carries a fine of up to ₦2 million or imprisonment for three years.
Okoye’s core message is that this provision (and related electoral offence sections) is designed to *prohibit* violence and intimidation in the electoral process — not to authorise citizens to respond to alleged offences with further violence. Self-help, mob action, or incitement to violence remains illegal and counterproductive, he stressed. The proper channel is to report suspected offences to security agencies for investigation and prosecution.
Broader Context Ahead of 2027
Nigeria’s next general elections are scheduled for early 2027 (presidential and National Assembly in January, governorship and state assemblies in February). The discussion on *Politics Today* forms part of ongoing national conversations about electoral integrity, the new Electoral Act 2026 (which repealed and replaced the 2022 Act), technology such as BVAS and IReV, vote-buying, insecurity, and the risk of violence or result manipulation.
Okoye, who previously served as INEC’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, has been vocal in recent months on related issues. He has criticised the political elite for undermining free and fair elections through vote-buying, warned about human errors and procedural confusion that could affect credibility, and urged journalists not to amplify hate speech or inciting statements by politicians.
His latest remarks appear aimed at cooling potential tensions. Nigeria has a history of election-related violence and post-election disputes in which citizens sometimes feel official institutions fail to deliver timely justice. Okoye’s position is that the rule of law must still be upheld: allegations of rigging or other offences should be documented and reported through lawful channels rather than resolved through street justice or public incitement.
Public Reaction and Implications
The clip shared by Channels Television has generated significant engagement, with mixed reactions reflecting the deep distrust many Nigerians feel toward the electoral process and security agencies. Some commenters expressed frustration that formal reporting rarely yields visible results, while others supported Okoye’s insistence on legality.
As the country moves closer to 2027, statements like Okoye’s highlight a recurring tension in Nigerian democracy: the need to protect the integrity of the vote while preventing the cycle of violence that has historically undermined public confidence. Legal experts and civil society groups have long argued that strengthening the capacity and independence of security agencies and the judiciary to handle electoral offences is essential if citizens are to trust official processes over self-help.
Okoye’s intervention serves as a clear reminder that the Electoral Act criminalises both the original offences (rigging, undue influence, threats, etc.) *and* any violent response to them. The law places the duty of enforcement on state institutions, not private individuals or groups.
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