By, Olawale Ogunbusola

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has cautioned broadcast media organisations against the spread of misinformation, warning that the integrity of the 2027 General Election will depend significantly on how responsibly Nigeria’s airwaves are managed.

Speaking at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Prof. Amupitan stressed that the information space has become a critical battleground in modern elections.

He noted that the greatest threat to credible polls may no longer be physical disruptions, but the rapid spread of false information amplified through unverified broadcasts.

Prof. Amupitan emphasised the need for strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, particularly provisions guiding political broadcasting. He drew attention to statutory obligations requiring equal access to media platforms for all political parties, noting that with 22 registered parties, fairness in airtime allocation and coverage is a legal requirement, not a matter of discretion.

The INEC Chairman further highlighted the provisions of the law prohibiting the use of abusive, inflammatory, or divisive language capable of inciting ethnic, religious, or sectional tensions.

He warned that irresponsible broadcasting could undermine national cohesion and destabilise the electoral process, urging media practitioners to uphold professionalism at all times.

He reminded broadcasters of the mandatory 24-hour “cooling-off period” before Election Day, during which political campaigns and advertisements are prohibited.

According to him, the measure is designed to allow voters reflect and make informed decisions free from last-minute manipulation or misinformation.

While acknowledging the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, Prof. Amupitan maintained that such freedom must be exercised within the framework of the law.

He explained that as a public resource, the airwaves impose a responsibility on regulators and operators alike to ensure equitable access and responsible usage during elections.

The INEC Chairman underscored the complementary roles of INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission in safeguarding the integrity of political broadcasting.

He identified challenges such as regulatory overlaps, enforcement gaps, and the increasing convergence of traditional and digital media, which has made monitoring more complex.

Raising concerns over perceived incumbency advantage in state-owned media and the growing commercialisation of political airtime, Prof. Amupitan warned that such practices could disadvantage smaller political parties and weaken the level playing field required for credible elections.

To address these challenges, he called for stronger collaboration between regulatory bodies, clearer legal definitions of equal access, improved fact-checking mechanisms, and greater transparency in political advertising, including full disclosure of sponsorship and pricing.

The INEC Chairman charged broadcast organisations to prioritise truth and professionalism over profit, urging them to verify information before dissemination and actively combat fake news, calling on the media to play a proactive role in mobilising citizens to participate in the electoral process.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to transparency, Prof. Amupitan advised broadcasters to rely on INEC’s official platforms as authoritative sources of electoral information, assuring them of continued engagement with designated Commission spokespersons.

He concluded that the credibility of the 2027 General Election will depend not only on electoral logistics and technology but also on the integrity of the information environment, urging the media to act responsibly in the overriding interest of Nigeria’s democracy.