The Independent National Electoral Commission has underscored the critical role of broadcast media in safeguarding electoral integrity, urging broadcasters to uphold fairness, professionalism, and accuracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Addressing the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja, the INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stressed that the management of the airwaves under the Electoral Act 2026 would be decisive in shaping public trust and democratic outcomes.
Amupitan noted that the growing influence of broadcast platforms has made it central to political communication.
He warned, saying, “Your airwaves have become the primary infrastructure of our democracy. If they are clear, the nation sees the truth; if they are clouded by misinformation, the sovereign will of the people is threatened.”
Amupitan highlighted key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly those mandating equal access to media platforms and prohibiting the misuse of state-owned media.
He explained that “state apparatus, including the media, shall not be employed to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election”.
He also emphasised that media time shall be allocated equally among the political parties or candidates at similar hours of the day.
Amupitan further cautioned against inflammatory political messaging, citing the law, which states that “a political campaign or slogan shall not be tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings.”
The commission also reiterated restrictions on campaign broadcasts close to election day, noting that “any person, print or electronic medium that broadcasts, publishes, advertises or circulates any material within 24 hours immediately preceding or on polling day commits an offence under this Act.”
While acknowledging the reforms introduced by the new law, the INEC chairman raised concerns over enforcement gaps, regulatory overlap, and the growing influence of digital media, warning that these challenges could undermine the effectiveness of the legal framework.
He called for stronger collaboration between regulators and industry players, proposing an alliance involving INEC, BON, security agencies, and the judiciary to ensure compliance and accountability.
With the countdown to the 2027 elections underway, the Commission disclosed that “283 days remain until the Presidential and National Assembly Elections on January 16, 2027,” and “304 days to go” before the governorship and state assembly polls.
He charged broadcasters to take decisive steps in curbing misinformation and promoting voter participation.
Amupitan urged media executives to “fact-check in real-time: Do not wait for the post-mortem. Kill the fake news on your morning shows before it reaches the afternoon news.”
Amupitan also encouraged the media to drive civic engagement, stating, “Mobilize for voters’ turnout: A democracy experiencing voter apathy is a backsliding democracy.”
On ethical standards, he warned against prioritising profit over public interest, saying, “Professionalism over profit: In this 2027 roadmap, the temptation to prioritise high-paying political adverts over balanced reporting will be great. I urge you to choose the sanctity of the ballot.”
Amupitan gave a stark warning on the dangers of misinformation, stating, “In the 2027 General Election, the most dangerous weapon will not be a ballot-snatcher’s gun, but a smartphone-user’s lie amplified by an uncritical broadcast station.”
He urged broadcasters to ensure that Nigeria’s airwaves remain a sanctuary for the truth, not a megaphone for chaos, as political parties begin preparations for the next electoral cycle.
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