Says Electoral Act Criminalises Tribal and Sectional Campaigns, Prescribes Up to 12 Months’ Imprisonment
The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has urged the Federal Government and relevant law enforcement agencies to prosecute politicians who weaponise indigeneity to discriminate against political candidates, warning that such conduct may constitute a criminal offence under Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026.
PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat said a candidate’s ancestry or state of origin must not be exploited to promote political exclusion, incite sectional sentiments or undermine citizens’ participation in the democratic process.
PeacePro cited the ongoing controversy surrounding Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, whose ancestry has become a subject of political dispute.
In September 2026, Adeola challenged individuals questioning his Ogun State roots to provide evidence for their claims or face legal action. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu subsequently challenged Adeola over the matter, insisting that he was prepared to defend his position in court.
Hamzat said the controversy illustrates the danger of turning questions of ancestry into political weapons, shifting public attention away from candidates’ policies, competence, integrity and capacity to govern.
PeacePro drew attention to Section 101 of the Electoral Act 2026, which makes it an offence for a candidate, person or association to engage in campaigning or broadcasting based on religious, tribal or sectional considerations to promote or oppose a political party or candidate.
The provision prescribes a fine of ₦3 million to ₦5 million, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both, for an individual offender upon conviction. Political parties found guilty face fines ranging from ₦30 million to ₦50 million.
PeacePro called on the Federal Government, the police and other relevant authorities to investigate complaints and prosecute those against whom sufficient evidence establishes an offence.
PeacePro warned that allowing indigeneity to become a weapon in electoral competition could deepen ethnic divisions, undermine peaceful political participation and reinforce the dangerous notion that public office belongs exclusively to people of a particular ancestry.
It urged political parties and their supporters to focus on policy choices, public accountability and the qualifications required by law rather than attempting to discredit candidates through identity-based campaigns.