By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
THE INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned broadcasters against airing misinformation as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Election.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that speaking on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, described the information space as a frontline of democratic contestation and called for strict adherence to the Electoral Act 2026.
Prof. Amupitan noted that 283 days remain until the Presidential and National Assembly Elections on January 16, 2027, and 304 days until Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections on February 6, 2027.
He emphasised statutory obligations under Sections 99(2)–(5) of the Act, including equal airtime for all political parties, particularly during prime time, and fairness in public print media.
The INEC Chairman highlighted penalties for violations, including fines in the millions of naira and potential imprisonment.
He warned that Section 96(1) prohibits abusive or inflammatory language capable of provoking ethnic, religious, or sectional tension, and urged broadcasters to maintain a clear line between debate and incitement.
Prof. Amupitan reminded media executives of the statutory 24-hour “cooling-off period” before polling day, during which political advertisements and campaign broadcasts are prohibited.
He stressed that this period ensures citizens can make independent decisions free from last-minute influence.
The INEC Chairman reaffirmed the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, while stressing that equitable access to the airwaves is a public duty.
He underlined collaboration with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to enforce licensing, broadcasting codes, and political campaign guidelines, while acknowledging challenges such as regulatory overlap and limited monitoring capacity.
Addressing practical concerns, Prof. Amupitan highlighted incumbency advantage in state media, commercialisation of political airtime, and rapid online amplification of broadcast content.
He proposed reforms including clearer statutory definitions of equal access, stronger INEC-NBC coordination, enhanced editorial guidelines, strengthened factchecking and transparency in political advertising.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the INEC Chairman also enjoined broadcasters to fact-check in real time, mobilise voters against apathy, and prioritise professionalism over profit.
He also described elections as the lifeblood of democracy and warned against prioritising high-paying political advertisements over balanced reporting.
Prof. Amupitan concluded that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections depends on both voting conduct and the fairness of the media environment, urging broadcast houses to uphold their responsibilities within the law.
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