Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has cautioned broadcast media organisations to uphold accuracy and professionalism, warning that the credibility of the 2027 general elections will depend heavily on how responsibly Nigeria’s airwaves are managed.
Amupitan gave the warning on Tuesday while speaking at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria.
Describing the information space as a “critical battleground” in modern elections, the INEC chairman said misinformation now poses a greater threat to credible polls than physical disruptions.
“The integrity of our elections is no longer threatened only by physical interference but increasingly by the rapid spread of false information amplified through unverified broadcasts,” he said.
He urged broadcasters to comply strictly with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly those guiding political broadcasting, stressing that equitable access to media platforms for all registered political parties is a legal obligation.
“With 22 registered political parties, fairness in airtime allocation is not a matter of discretion but a requirement of the law,” Amupitan stated.
The INEC chairman also warned against use of abusive or inflammatory content capable of inciting ethnic, religious or sectional tensions, noting that irresponsible broadcasting could undermine national cohesion.
He reminded media organisations of the mandatory 24-hour “cooling-off period” before Election Day, during which political campaigns and advertisements are prohibited.
“This period is designed to allow voters reflect and make informed decisions free from last-minute manipulation,” he said.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, Amupitan emphasised that the airwaves, as a public resource, must be used responsibly.
He further identified challenges such as regulatory overlaps, enforcement gaps and the growing convergence of traditional and digital media, which he said has complicated monitoring efforts.
The INEC boss also raised concerns over perceived incumbency advantage in state-owned media and the increasing commercialisation of political airtime, warning that such trends could disadvantage smaller parties.
“Practices that skew access to the media weaken the level playing field required for credible elections,” he noted.
Amupitan called for stronger collaboration between INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), clearer guidelines on equal access, and improved fact-checking systems.
He also urged transparency in political advertising, including full disclosure of sponsorship and pricing.
“Broadcast organisations must prioritise truth and professionalism over profit. Verification of information before dissemination is essential in combating fake news,” he said.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to transparency, the chairman advised media practitioners to rely on the Commission’s official platforms for accurate electoral information.
He added that the success of the 2027 general election would depend not only on logistics and technology, but also on the integrity of the information environment.
“The media has a crucial role to play in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and mobilising citizens to participate in the electoral process,” Amupitan said.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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