The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has urged broadcast media organisations to be more responsible in their reporting, warning against the dangers of spreading misinformation. He stressed that the credibility of the 2027 General Election will largely depend on how carefully and professionally information is handled across Nigeria’s airwaves.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, the INEC Chairman described the information space as a key battleground in today’s electoral process. According to him, the biggest threat to free and fair elections may no longer be physical interference, but the fast spread of false or misleading information through unverified broadcasts.
Prof. Amupitan also highlighted the importance of adhering strictly to the Electoral Act 2026, especially the sections regulating political broadcasting. He reminded media organisations of their legal duty to provide equal access to all political parties, noting that with 22 registered parties, fairness in airtime and coverage is not optional, but a requirement under the law.
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The INEC Chairman also drew attention to legal provisions that forbid the use of abusive, provocative, or divisive language that could stir ethnic, religious, or regional tensions. He cautioned that reckless broadcasting has the potential to weaken national unity and disrupt the electoral process, urging media professionals to remain committed to high standards of professionalism.
He reminded broadcasters about the compulsory 24-hour “cooling-off period” before Election Day, during which all political campaigns and advertisements must cease. He explained that this window is meant to give voters time to reflect calmly and make informed choices without the pressure of last-minute influence or misinformation.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, Prof. Amupitan stressed that it must be exercised within the bounds of the law. He noted that because the airwaves are a public resource, both regulators and media operators have a shared duty to ensure fair access and responsible use, especially during elections.
He further highlighted the complementary roles of INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission in protecting the integrity of political broadcasting. However, he pointed out ongoing challenges such as overlapping regulatory responsibilities, weak enforcement, and the growing blend of traditional and digital media, which has made monitoring more difficult.
Expressing concern over the perceived advantage enjoyed by incumbents through state-owned media, as well as the increasing monetisation of political airtime, Prof. Amupitan warned that such practices could put smaller political parties at a disadvantage and undermine the fairness of the electoral process.
To tackle these issues, he called for stronger collaboration among regulatory bodies, clearer guidelines on equal access, more robust fact-checking systems, and greater transparency in political advertising, including clear disclosure of sponsors and pricing.
He urged broadcast organisations to place truth and professionalism above profit, emphasizing the need to verify information before sharing it and to actively counter the spread of fake news. He also encouraged the media to play an active role in mobilising citizens to participate in elections.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to transparency, Prof. Amupitan advised broadcasters to rely on the Commission’s official platforms as trusted sources of electoral information, assuring them of ongoing engagement through designated spokespersons.
He concluded by noting that the credibility of the 2027 General Election will depend not only on logistics and technology but also on the quality and integrity of the information environment, urging the media to act responsibly in the best interest of Nigeria’s democracy.
