The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has warned that misinformation amplified through broadcast platforms could pose a greater threat to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections than traditional electoral violence.
Speaking at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), the INEC chairman urged media leaders to ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and uphold professional standards as the country prepares for the polls.
Addressing chief executives and senior media practitioners, Amupitan described the information space as a new battleground for democratic contests, noting that elections are increasingly shaped by narratives in the media ecosystem rather than just activities at polling units.
He revealed that 283 days remain until the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and 304 days until the Governorship and State Assembly elections on February 6, 2027, stressing that credible polls would depend not only on logistics and technology but also responsible media conduct.
Citing provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly Sections 99(2) (5), the INEC chairman said broadcast organisations are under legal obligation to provide equal airtime and fair coverage to all political parties. He emphasised that publicly owned media must not be used to favour any candidate or party.
“With 22 registered political parties, fairness is not optional; it is statutory,” he said, warning that violations could attract heavy fines or imprisonment.
Amupitan also referenced Section 96(1) of the Act, which prohibits inflammatory or divisive language in political broadcasts, cautioning that irresponsible content could heighten ethnic or religious tensions.
He further reminded broadcasters of the mandatory 24 hour “cooling off period” before election day, during which campaign messages and political advertising are banned to allow voters make independent decisions.
While acknowledging constitutional protections for freedom of expression, the INEC boss said regulation of the airwaves being a public resource remains necessary to ensure equitable access during elections.
He highlighted the roles of INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), noting existing challenges such as regulatory overlap, enforcement gaps, and the rapid spread of broadcast content on digital platforms.
Amupitan also raised concerns about incumbency advantage in state owned media and the commercialisation of political airtime, which he said often disadvantages smaller parties.
To address these issues, he proposed reforms including clearer definitions of equal access, improved coordination between regulators, stronger editorial standards, and enhanced transparency in political advertising.
He urged broadcasters to prioritise real time fact checking, combat voter apathy, and uphold professionalism over profit during the election cycle.
“Do not wait for the post mortem. Kill the fake news on your morning shows before it reaches the afternoon bulletin,” he said.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to engagement, Amupitan advised media organisations to rely on the commission’s official platforms for accurate information.
The electoral chief also noted that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections depends not only on voting processes but also on the integrity of the information environment, calling on broadcasters to play their part in safeguarding democracy.