INEC Warns Taraba Political Actors Against Inflammatory Statements Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Taraba State has called on political actors to avoid inflammatory statements and to channel their grievances through established legal means ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sa'ad Umar Idris, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the state, made the appeal at a stakeholders' meeting on electoral readiness, Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) distribution and inter-agency collaboration. He urged political parties to follow electoral rules strictly.

Idris also cautioned media organisations and civil society groups against spreading unverified reports. He warned that artificial intelligence tools could be used to produce synthetic media, fake news and disinformation meant to heighten political tension. "Such content could be deliberately circulated to inflame public sentiments and create tension among political supporters and communities," he said.

Speaking on preparations for the 2027 polls, the REC said INEC is mapping polling units across the state to make logistics and voter access smoother. He added that the commission will hold a mock accreditation exercise in November 2026 to test its operational systems before the elections.

To tackle transport challenges for election officials and sensitive materials, INEC is also finalising a partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to ensure materials and personnel are deployed on time to all local government areas.