The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that the rapid spread of false information through broadcast media is the “greatest threat” to the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
Joash Amupitan, chairman of the commission, made the warning on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, while addressing the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria.
“The information space has become a critical battleground in modern elections,” he sais.
“The greatest threat to credible polls may no longer be physical disruptions, but the rapid spread of false information amplified through unverified broadcasts.”
The INEC chairman stressed that broadcasters must comply with the Electoral Act 2026, particularly rules guiding political coverage.
“With 22 registered political parties, fairness in airtime allocation and coverage is a legal requirement, not a matter of discretion,” he said.
He also warned against the use of abusive or divisive language, noting that irresponsible broadcasting could undermine national cohesion and destabilise the electoral process.
Speaking on the mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period before election day, Amupitan said “This measure allows voters to reflect and make informed decisions free from last-minute manipulation or misinformation.”
While acknowledging the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, the INEC boss emphasized that broadcasters must exercise this freedom responsibly.
He said the airwaves, as a public resource, carry a legal obligation to ensure fairness and equitable access.
He also highlighted challenges in the media landscape, including regulatory overlaps, enforcement gaps, the convergence of traditional and digital media, and perceived advantages enjoyed by state-owned broadcasters.
Commercialisation of political airtime, he warned, could disadvantage smaller parties and weaken the level playing field.
To mitigate these risks, Amupitan called for improved collaboration between regulatory bodies, stronger fact-checking mechanisms, transparency in political advertising, and greater reliance on INEC’s official channels for accurate electoral information.
He added that the credibility of the 2027 election will depend not only on logistics and technology but also on the integrity of Nigeria’s information environment, urging media organisations to prioritise professionalism, truth, and public interest over profit.
