The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on broadcast media organisations to maintain fairness, professionalism, and accuracy as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, INEC chairman Joash Amupitan highlighted the crucial role of the media in preserving electoral integrity and public confidence.
He noted that broadcast platforms have become central to political communication, warning that misinformation on the airwaves could distort the will of the people and weaken democracy.
Amupitan pointed to key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which require equal access to media platforms for all political parties and prohibit the use of state-owned media to favour any candidate. He stressed that airtime must be distributed fairly and at comparable time slots.
He also cautioned against the use of inflammatory language in political campaigns, noting that messages capable of provoking ethnic, religious, or sectional tensions are prohibited under the law.
INEC further reminded media organisations of restrictions on campaign-related broadcasts, stating that publishing or airing political content within 24 hours before or on election day constitutes an offence.
While acknowledging improvements in the new electoral framework, the INEC chairman expressed concerns about enforcement challenges, overlapping regulatory roles, and the growing influence of digital media, which could weaken compliance if not properly managed.
To address these issues, he called for closer collaboration between INEC, media organisations, security agencies, and the judiciary to ensure accountability and adherence to electoral guidelines.
With preparations already underway, INEC revealed that there are 283 days remaining until the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and 304 days before the governorship and state assembly elections.
Amupitan urged broadcasters to actively combat misinformation by verifying facts promptly and preventing false narratives from spreading. He also encouraged the media to promote voter participation, warning that low turnout could signal a weakening democracy.
He concluded by stressing the importance of prioritising ethical standards over financial gain, urging media houses to uphold truth and balance rather than allowing political advertising to dictate coverage.
The INEC chairman warned that misinformation could become the most dangerous threat in the 2027 elections, urging broadcasters to ensure that their platforms remain a trusted source of accurate information rather than a channel for confusion or division.
- INEC