By Paul Joseph
Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged Nigerian broadcast organisations to exercise greater responsibility in disseminating information as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) recently, Amupitan highlighted the growing influence of the media on electoral processes.
He warned that the spread of false or misleading information could undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
“With 22 registered political parties, fairness in airtime allocation and coverage is a legal obligation,” he said, stressing that equitable access for all parties is essential to maintaining a level playing field.
The INEC chairman also cautioned against airing abusive, inflammatory, or divisive content capable of inciting ethnic, religious, or sectional tensions, which could threaten national unity and disrupt elections.
Amupitan reminded media organisations of the 24-hour cooling-off period before election day, during which all political campaigns and advertisements must cease, giving voters time to reflect on their choices.
While acknowledging the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, he emphasized that media rights must be exercised within the law, noting that the airwaves are a public resource requiring responsible use.
He also highlighted challenges, including regulatory overlaps, enforcement gaps, and the convergence of traditional and digital media, which complicates monitoring political communication.
Concerns about incumbency advantages in state-owned stations and the commercialisation of political airtime were also raised.
To address these issues, Amupitan called for stronger collaboration between regulatory agencies, clearer guidelines on equal media access, and improved fact-checking and verification systems.
He also encouraged transparency in political advertising, including disclosure of sponsorship and pricing structures.
The INEC urged broadcasters to prioritise accuracy, professionalism, and voter education, advising them to rely on official INEC channels for verified electoral information.
According to Amupitan, the credibility of the 2027 elections depends not only on logistics and technology but also on the integrity of the country’s information environment.
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