By Our Correspondent.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political actors in Taraba State against making inflammatory statements ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to channel their grievances through lawful means to prevent tension and maintain peace.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Sa’ad Umar Idris, gave the warning on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting focused on election preparedness, the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and collaboration among relevant stakeholders ahead of the polls.

Idris also urged media organisations and civil society groups to verify information before publishing or sharing it, warning that the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) could worsen the spread of fake news, misinformation, rumours and fabricated claims during the election period.

He cautioned that misleading content could be deliberately circulated to provoke public anger and create tension among political supporters and communities.

“Such content could be deliberately circulated to inflame public sentiments and create tension among political supporters and communities,” the REC warned.

The electoral chief further called on political parties to comply with established electoral guidelines, assuring stakeholders that INEC would provide a level playing field and treat all parties equally.

Addressing the media and civil society organisations, Idris acknowledged their important role in promoting transparency, educating voters and holding the electoral process accountable.

“To civil society and the media, your scrutiny keeps us honest, and your voter education work extends our reach to places we cannot reach alone,” he said.

He also recognised the contributions of traditional rulers and religious leaders in promoting peaceful coexistence, responsible political conduct and harmony within their respective communities.

Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections in Taraba State, Idris disclosed that preparations for the 2027 polls were already in progress.

According to him, INEC is currently mapping electoral facilities across the state to support effective planning and ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for polling units in different communities.

The REC further revealed that the commission was considering conducting a mock accreditation exercise in November 2026 as part of efforts to assess its level of preparedness ahead of the elections.

On logistics, Idris said INEC planned to collaborate with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to facilitate the transportation of election officials and materials to various locations across the state.

He explained that the proposed arrangement would involve hiring vehicles to ensure that personnel and sensitive electoral materials arrive at their designated destinations on time.

With preparations gathering momentum, INEC’s warning highlights the importance of responsible political communication, credible information and cooperation among stakeholders in ensuring a peaceful electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.