By Eshioromeh Sebastian, Abuja
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has warned broadcast media organisations that misinformation now poses a greater danger to the credibility of the 2027 General Election than physical disruptions or electoral violence.
Speaking on Wednesday, at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, the INEC Chairman argued that the information space has become the most critical battleground in modern elections.
He noted that while the Commission has made significant progress in securing polling units and deploying election logistics, the rapid spread of false information through unverified broadcasts remains a formidable and often underestimated threat.
“Physical disruptions can be contained, and in many cases, anticipated. But a lie that travels across the airwaves and embeds itself in the minds of millions before it can be refuted—that is chaos of a different order,” Prof. Amupitan told the gathering of broadcast executives and media regulators.
He warned that false narratives, doctored results, inflammatory commentary, and unverified claims amplified through irresponsible broadcasting could undermine public trust in the electoral process more effectively than any act of thuggery. “The greatest threat to credible polls may no longer be the hijack of ballot boxes, but the hijack of truth itself,” he added.
The INEC Chairman urged broadcasters to recognise the weight of their responsibility, stressing that the airwaves must remain “a sanctuary for truth, not a megaphone for chaos.” He called on media practitioners to prioritise verification over speed and professionalism over profit, warning that any broadcaster found guilty of deliberately spreading false electoral information would face the full wrath of the law.
Prof. Amupitan further reminded broadcasters of their statutory obligations under the Electoral Act 2026, including equal access to media platforms for all 22 registered political parties, the prohibition of hate speech and divisive language, and the mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period before Election Day—a measure designed to allow voters reflect without last-minute manipulation.
He also raised concerns about the convergence of traditional and digital media, which has made monitoring and enforcement more complex. To address this, he called for stronger collaboration between INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), improved fact-checking mechanisms, and greater transparency in political advertising, including full disclosure of sponsorship and pricing.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to transparency, Prof. Amupitan advised broadcasters to rely exclusively on the Commission’s official platforms for authoritative electoral information and to channel inquiries through designated spokespersons.
He concluded with a direct appeal to the media: “The credibility of the 2027 General Election will depend not only on INEC’s logistics or technology, but on the integrity of the information environment you help shape. Please, act responsibly. Nigeria’s democracy hangs in the balance.”
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