The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has issued a stern warning to broadcast media organizations regarding the spread of misinformation, declaring that the integrity of the 2027 General Election rests heavily on the responsible management of Nigeria’s airwaves. 
Speaking on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Prof. Amupitan identified the information space as a “critical battleground” in modern democratic processes. He asserted that the most significant threat to credible polls has shifted from physical disruptions to the rapid spread of false information amplified via unverified broadcasts.
Legal Obligations and Equal Access
The INEC Chairman demanded strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, specifically focusing on provisions that regulate political broadcasting. With 22 registered political parties now active in Nigeria, he reminded broadcasters that providing equal access to media platforms is a statutory mandate rather than a discretionary choice.
“Airwaves must remain a sanctuary for truth, not a megaphone for chaos,” Prof. Amupitan stated.
He further emphasized that the law strictly prohibits the use of abusive, inflammatory, or divisive language that could incite ethnic, religious, or sectional tensions. According to the Chairman, irresponsible broadcasting risks undermining national cohesion and destabilizing the entire electoral framework.
The 24-Hour Cooling-Off Period
As the 2027 cycle approaches, Prof. Amupitan reminded practitioners of the mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period prior to Election Day. During this window, all political campaigns and advertisements are legally prohibited to allow voters time to reflect without last-minute manipulation.
While acknowledging the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, he maintained that such rights must be exercised within legal boundaries, noting that the airwaves are a public resource requiring equitable and responsible usage.
Combating Incumbency Advantage and Commercialization
The Chairman raised concerns over regulatory overlaps and the complexities introduced by the convergence of digital and traditional media. He specifically highlighted the “perceived incumbency advantage” in state-owned media and the aggressive commercialization of political airtime, which he warned could marginalize smaller parties and tilt the playing field.
To mitigate these risks, he proposed:
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Stronger collaboration between INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
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Clearer legal definitions of what constitutes equal access.
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Improved fact-checking mechanisms and full transparency in political advertising sponsorships.
A Call for Professionalism Over Profit
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Amupitan urged media houses to prioritize truth and professionalism over profit. He called for proactive efforts to verify information and mobilize citizens for civic participation, stressing that broadcasters should rely on INEC’s official platforms as the only authoritative sources for electoral data.
He maintained that the success of the 2027 elections would depend not just on logistics and technology, but on the integrity of the information environment maintained by the Nigerian press.
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