The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan has challenged Nigerian broadcasters to protect the integrity of the 2027 General Election by shunning misinformation.
Addressing the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, the INEC Chairman described the modern information space as a critical battleground where unverified broadcasts currently pose a greater threat to democracy than physical disruptions.
Prof. Amupitan underscored the necessity of strict adherence to the Electoral Act 2026, specifically emphasizing the statutory requirement for media houses to provide equal airtime and coverage to all 22 registered political parties.
He cautioned against the commercialization of political airtime, which he warned could unfairly disadvantage smaller parties and weaken the level playing field.
He also reminded broadcasters of the mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period before Election Day and urged them to prioritize professional fact-checking over profit-driven sensationalism to ensure national cohesion during the upcoming polls.