By The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has identified misinformation as a major risk to the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
He made this known on Wednesday while addressing participants at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja.
Amupitan stressed the critical responsibility of the media in protecting democratic values, describing broadcast platforms as a vital pillar of the electoral process. He urged media organisations to uphold professionalism and accuracy as the country approaches the next general elections.
According to him, the dynamics of electoral threats have shifted significantly, with digital technology now playing a dominant role.
“In 2027, the most dangerous weapon may not be physical violence, but the spread of false information through digital platforms, especially when amplified by irresponsible broadcasting,” he said.
Electoral Act Provisions and Media Responsibility
The INEC chairman highlighted key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, noting that the law requires fairness in political coverage, including equal airtime for all parties.
He warned that media organisations that fail to comply with these provisions could face sanctions, including fines and legal consequences for responsible officials.
Amupitan also pointed to regulations guiding political communication, including a mandatory 24-hour restriction on campaign broadcasts before election day. He explained that the measure is intended to reduce last-minute manipulation of voters.
In addition, he cautioned against the dissemination of hate speech and content capable of inciting ethnic, religious, or political tensions.
