The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has issued a stark warning to broadcast media, declaring that misinformation, rather than physical violence, may pose the gravest threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 General Election.
Speaking at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, on Tuesday, Amupitan cautioned that the nation’s airwaves must remain “a sanctuary for truth, not a megaphone for chaos,” as the electoral cycle gathers momentum.
“In the 2027 General Election, the most dangerous weapon will not be a ballot-snatcher’s gun, but a smartphone user’s lie amplified by an uncritical broadcast station,” he said.
His remarks were made to chief executives and senior media professionals in attendance at the assembly.
The INEC chairman described the information space as the new frontline of democratic contestation, stressing that elections are now fought as much in the media as at polling units.
He stressed the urgency of the moment, noting that only 283 days remain until the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and 304 days to the governorship and state assembly polls on February 6.
Amupitan anchored his remarks on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly Sections 99(2)–(5), which mandate equitable media access for all political actors.
He warned that with 22 registered political parties, fairness in coverage is not discretionary but a legal obligation.
“You must provide a level playing field, ensuring that no single interest group monopolises the airwaves,” he said, adding that violations could attract heavy fines and, in some cases, imprisonment for media organisations and their principal officers.
He also highlighted Section 96(1) of the Act, which prohibits inflammatory and divisive language capable of inciting ethnic, religious, or sectional tensions.
“The line between robust political debate and incitement must never be blurred,” he cautioned.
The INEC boss further reminded broadcasters of the statutory 24-hour “cooling-off period” before election day, during which all campaign-related broadcasts and political advertisements are prohibited.
According to him, the provision is designed to allow voters reflect and make independent decisions free from last-minute manipulation.
While affirming the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, Amupitan noted that the finite nature of the broadcast spectrum imposes a responsibility on regulators to ensure equitable access, especially during elections.
He explained that while the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) regulates licensing and enforces the Broadcasting Code, INEC is responsible for issuing campaign guidelines and monitoring compliance with electoral standards.
However, he acknowledged challenges such as regulatory overlap, enforcement gaps, and capacity limitations in monitoring the expansive media landscape.
The chairman also flagged concerns over incumbency advantage in state-owned media and the growing commercialisation of political airtime, warning that these trends often disadvantage smaller parties and less-funded candidates.
“Broadcast content is no longer confined to radio and television. It is clipped, amplified, and weaponised online within minutes,” he noted, drawing attention to the complex interplay between traditional and digital media.
To address these issues, Amupitan called for reforms, including clearer legal definitions of “equal access,” stronger coordination between INEC and NBC, enhanced regulatory independence, and stricter editorial standards within media organisations.
He also urged broadcasters to adopt robust fact-checking systems and ensure transparency in political advertising through clear disclosure of sponsorship and pricing.
In a direct appeal to media executives, he outlined three key responsibilities: real-time fact-checking, voter mobilisation, and unwavering professionalism.
“Do not wait for the post-mortem. Kill the fake news on your morning shows before it reaches the afternoon bulletin,” he charged.
Amupitan warned that voter apathy remains a serious threat to democratic consolidation, even as he acknowledged the commercial pressures media houses face during election periods.
“In this 2027 roadmap, the temptation to prioritise high-paying political adverts over balanced reporting will be great. Choose the sanctity of the ballot,” he said.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to transparency, he urged broadcasters to rely on the Commission’s official platforms for verified information, assuring them of continued engagement with authorised spokespersons.
He concluded with a broader reflection on the evolving nature of elections, stressing that credibility now extends beyond the ballot box to the information ecosystem.
“Elections are no longer contested only at the polling units. They are contested in the information space. The media must rise against misinformation to protect the sanctity of our electoral process,” he said.
