Pat Stevens/
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has warned Nigerian broadcasters that the integrity of the 2027 General Election will hinge not only on logistics and technology but also on how responsibly the nation’s airwaves are managed.
Speaking on Tuesday, at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Amupitan said the rise of misinformation represents the greatest threat to credible elections.
“Airwaves must remain a sanctuary for truth, not a megaphone for chaos,” he declared. “In modern elections, the rapid spread of false information via unverified broadcasts can destabilise the process more than physical disruptions ever could.”
The INEC Chairman emphasised the legal obligations of broadcasters under the Electoral Act 2026, particularly regarding political coverage.
“With 22 registered political parties, equal access to media platforms is not optional. Fairness in airtime allocation and coverage is a statutory requirement, and compliance is mandatory,” he said.
He warned against the use of inflammatory, abusive, or divisive language capable of inciting ethnic, religious, or sectional tensions, noting the potential damage to national cohesion:
“Irresponsible broadcasting can undermine democracy itself. Professionalism must guide every editorial decision during the electoral period,” Amupitan said.
Highlighting the mandatory 24-hour “cooling-off period” before Election Day, he stressed its role in protecting voters from last-minute manipulation:
“This period ensures citizens can reflect and make informed decisions free from undue influence or misinformation,” he explained.
While acknowledging the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, the INEC Chairman reminded media operators that such freedoms must operate within legal frameworks.
“The airwaves are a public resource. Their responsible use is not merely a professional duty; it is a civic obligation,” he added.
Amupitan also addressed the challenges posed by the increasing convergence of traditional and digital media: “Regulatory overlaps, enforcement gaps, and the blending of social and broadcast platforms make monitoring more complex. Broadcasters and regulators must collaborate to maintain integrity.”
He expressed concern over perceived incumbency advantages in state-owned media and the commercialisation of political airtime.
“When political advertisements are sold to the highest bidder, smaller parties suffer. We must ensure a level playing field for credible elections,” he said.
To tackle these issues, the INEC Chairman called for clearer legal definitions of equal access, enhanced fact-checking mechanisms, full disclosure of political advertising sponsorships, and stronger collaboration between INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
“Broadcasters must prioritise truth and professionalism over profit. Verify before you disseminate, actively combat fake news, and help mobilise citizens to participate in democracy,” Amupitan urged.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to transparency, he advised media operators to rely on the Commission’s official platforms as authoritative sources.
“Use our official channels and spokespersons. We are committed to keeping you informed and ensuring the electoral process is transparent at every stage,” he concluded.
Amupitan stressed that Nigeria’s democracy depends not only on well-run elections but also on a trustworthy information environment:
“The credibility of the 2027 General Election will reflect the integrity of our airwaves. Media responsibility is central to our nation’s democratic future.”
Related posts:
Amupitan: New Broom At INEC, By Reuben Abati
Elections and the Role of the Nigeria Police Force in the Electoral Process – Solomon Arase
Amupitan’s Magical Marriage to a Buffalo, By Festus Adedayo
Obasanjo Bombs Buhari, Osinbajo, INEC
INEC Chairman Unveils Innovations as Thought Leaders Make Projections on 2023 Elections
Why I Picked Amupitan as INEC Chair – Tinubu