A public policy analyst, Adeyemo Adebisi, has warned politicians, journalists and social media users against knowingly publishing false election results ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying offenders risk four years’ imprisonment upon conviction and fine.
Adeyemo gave the warning in an article aimed at educating Nigerians on the legal implications of announcing or circulating fabricated election results before the Independent National Electoral Commission declares the winners.
He said the growing use of social media and artificial intelligence to spread misleading election information made it necessary for citizens to understand the legal consequences of deliberately publishing false results.
According to him, Section 124(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 provides for four years’ imprisonment for anyone convicted of announcing or publishing an election result known to be false or at variance with the signed certificate of return.
He cautioned politicians, party agents, bloggers, influencers, broadcasters and ordinary social media users against presenting fabricated figures as official election results.
Adeyemo, however, clarified that Nigerians could campaign for their preferred candidates, analyse electoral performance and share authentic polling-unit figures, provided they did not knowingly publish false results or misrepresent unofficial figures as official declarations.
He explained that Section 25 of the Electoral Act 2026 identifies the electoral officers – INEC responsible for official announcements and declarations, stressing that independent calculations or figures circulated online could not replace the legally authorised declaration.
The analyst also raised concerns about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence to create fake result sheets, manipulate videos and generate audio recordings falsely portraying electoral officials as announcing winners.
He warned that knowingly using AI to manufacture and circulate false election results could attract prosecution where the elements of an applicable offence were established.
Adeyemo further cited Section 124(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, which criminalises specified conspiracies involving polling agents, political parties or party agents to make false declarations of election results. The provision prescribes a maximum fine of N2m, imprisonment for 12 months, or both.
He added that Sections 124 (4), 124(5) and 124(6) prescribe three years’ imprisonment for specified offences involving the knowing delivery of false certificates of return, with the penalty under Section 124(5) carrying no option of a fine.
On the use of social media, Adeyemo warned against assuming that online publications were automatically protected as personal opinions.
He cited Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended in 2024, which criminalises knowingly sending false messages through computer systems for specified purposes, including causing a breakdown of law and order or posing a threat to life.
He said the offence attracts a fine of up to N7m, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, where the statutory requirements are established.
The analyst also recalled that the National Broadcasting Commission disclosed in March 2023 that it had sanctioned 25 broadcasting stations for breaches during the presidential election period.
He said the commission specifically sanctioned one station for announcing election results before INEC, contrary to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
Adeyemo noted that suspected electoral offences could lead to an arrest, criminal investigations, the preservation of relevant digital evidence and prosecution where the law permitted and fine.
He stressed, however, that any arrest, seizure or forensic examination of electronic devices must comply with applicable legal requirements. He also noted that deleting a post would not necessarily eliminate evidence of a suspected offence.
The analyst said Section 148 of the Electoral Act 2026 provides for the prosecution of electoral offences by INEC legal officers or appointed legal practitioners before the appropriate courts.
He further emphasised that sharing genuine provisional polling-unit results before INEC’s final declaration did not automatically constitute an offence. According to him, criminal liability depends on the specific conduct, available evidence and applicable statutory provisions.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, Adeyemo urged Nigerians to engage in lawful campaigns, monitor the electoral process peacefully and report verified information responsibly.
He advised citizens to allow INEC’s authorised officials to declare election winners rather than manufacture figures or falsely proclaim electoral victories.
“Elections are decided by voters, not by the speed of social media announcements,” he urged Nigerians to exercise caution before publishing election-related information.
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse”
Adeyemo Adebisi, Esq., is a public policy analyst. OYO NEWS