INEC Warns Broadcasters Against Misinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections

INEC Warns Broadcasters Against Misinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has cautioned broadcast media organisations against the spread of misinformation, warning that the credibility of the 2027 General Election will largely depend on responsible management of the nation’s airwaves.

Speaking at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, the INEC Chairman described the information space as a critical battleground in modern elections, noting that false information—especially when amplified through unverified broadcasts—poses a greater threat than physical disruptions.

Amupitan stressed the need for strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, particularly provisions guiding political broadcasting. He highlighted the legal requirement for equal access to media platforms for all political parties, noting that with 22 registered parties, fairness in airtime allocation must be upheld.

He also warned against the use of abusive, inflammatory, or divisive content capable of inciting ethnic or religious tensions, stressing that irresponsible broadcasting could undermine national unity and destabilise the electoral process.

The INEC Chairman reminded broadcasters of the mandatory 24-hour “cooling-off period” before Election Day, during which all political campaigns and advertisements are prohibited to allow voters make informed decisions without undue influence.

While acknowledging the right to freedom of expression, Amupitan emphasised that such freedom must be exercised within the confines of the law, noting that the airwaves, as a public resource, come with obligations of fairness and responsibility.

He further underscored the complementary roles of INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission in regulating political broadcasting but pointed out challenges such as regulatory overlaps, enforcement gaps, and the growing convergence of traditional and digital media.

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

To address these issues, Amupitan called for stronger collaboration among regulators, improved fact-checking mechanisms, clearer guidelines on equal access, and greater transparency in political advertising.

He urged media organisations to prioritise truth and professionalism over profit, while encouraging citizens to actively participate in the democratic process.

Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to transparency, the Chairman advised broadcasters to rely on the Commission’s official platforms for accurate electoral information, stressing that the success of the 2027 elections will depend not only on logistics and technology but also on the integrity of the information environment.

INEC Warns Broadcasters Against Misinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections