The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, has warned broadcast media organisations against the spread of misinformation, saying the credibility of the 2027 general elections will depend on responsible use of the airwaves.
Speaking at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria on April 8, Amupitan said the information space has become a critical battleground in modern elections, with false information posing a greater threat than physical disruptions.
He urged strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, particularly provisions on political broadcasting, including equal access to media platforms for all registered political parties.
Amupitan also cautioned against the use of inflammatory or divisive language, warning that such content could incite tensions and undermine national cohesion.
He reminded broadcasters of the mandatory 24-hour “cooling-off period” before Election Day, during which political campaigns and advertisements are prohibited.
The INEC chairman acknowledged challenges such as regulatory overlaps, enforcement gaps and the growing convergence of traditional and digital media, which he said complicate monitoring efforts.
He also raised concerns about incumbency advantage in state-owned media and the commercialisation of political airtime, warning that both could disadvantage smaller parties.
Amupitan called for stronger collaboration between regulators, improved fact-checking, and greater transparency in political advertising, urging broadcasters to prioritise truth and professionalism over profit.
