INEC Chairman Urges Broadcasters to Safeguard Truth Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned broadcast media organisations against spreading misinformation, stressing that the credibility of the 2027 General Election will largely depend on how responsibly the nation’s airwaves are managed.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Amupitan described the information space as a key battleground in modern elections. He noted that false information—especially when amplified through unverified broadcasts—poses a greater threat to credible polls than physical disruptions.
He urged strict adherence to the Electoral Act 2026, particularly provisions regulating political broadcasting. According to him, equal media access for all 22 registered political parties is a legal obligation, not a matter of choice, and must be upheld to ensure fairness.
The INEC chairman also highlighted laws prohibiting the use of inflammatory or divisive language capable of inciting ethnic or religious tensions, warning that irresponsible broadcasting could threaten national unity and destabilise the electoral process.
Amupitan further reminded broadcasters of the mandatory 24-hour “cooling-off period” before Election Day, during which political campaigns and advertisements are banned to allow voters make decisions without undue influence.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, he emphasised that such freedom must operate within legal boundaries. He added that as a public resource, the airwaves carry a responsibility to ensure fairness and accountability.
He noted the joint role of INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission in regulating political broadcasting, but pointed out ongoing challenges such as overlapping regulations, enforcement gaps, and the complexities introduced by digital media.
Raising concerns over the perceived advantage of incumbents in state-owned media and the rising commercialisation of political airtime, Amupitan warned that such practices could marginalise smaller parties and undermine electoral fairness.
To address these issues, he called for stronger collaboration among regulators, clearer guidelines on equal access, improved fact-checking systems, and greater transparency in political advertising, including disclosure of sponsorship and pricing.
He urged media organisations to prioritise accuracy and professionalism over profit, stressing the need to verify information before publication and actively counter fake news. He also encouraged broadcasters to help mobilise citizens for active participation in the electoral process.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to transparency, Amupitan advised media outlets to rely on the Commission’s official platforms for credible information and maintain regular engagement with its designated spokespersons.
He concluded that beyond logistics and technology, the success of the 2027 General Election will depend heavily on the integrity of the information environment, calling on the media to act in the best interest of Nigeria’s democracy.
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