The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it is monitoring those waging verbal wars during political campaigns and will prosecute them after evaluating the situation.

With the presidential election less than a week away, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Committee on Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye noted that the use of abusive language by politicians contravenes Section 92 of the Electoral Act.

He further revealed that the law prescribes penalties for violation, including fines and terms of imprisonment.

“The commission is concerned and worried at the language being employed by some of the political parties, their candidates, officials and supporters in their campaigns.

“Section 92 (of the Electoral Act) provides that abusive, intemperate, slanderous or base language or insinuation or innuendoes designed or likely to provoke violent reaction or emotions shall not be employed or used in political campaigns.

“The law prescribes penalties for violation, including fines and terms of imprisonment.

“The commission is tracking the violations; the National Peace Committee is tracking the violations; civil society groups and organisations are tracking the violations.

“The commission will continue to evaluate the situation and will take appropriate action in terms of prosecution upon investigation and arrest by the appropriate agencies and organs of government.”