2027 Elections: Amupitan cautions Nigerians against misinformation, hate speech in  electoral ecosystem

*Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, highlights how the Nigerian broadcast media remain the ‘most influential platforms’ for political communication, shaping public opinion, framing electoral narratives, and influencing voter behaviour besides concerns about unequal access, misinformation, hate speech, and the potential for media capture by political elites

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has emphasised the strategic importance of the information space in Nigeria’s electoral journey.

The Commission said information is vital to the point that it is often said that elections are won or lost in the modern information space.

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ConsumerConnect reports Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of INEC, stated this in his address delivered at the recent 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), in Abuja, FCT.

The theme of the forum was: with the theme, “The Management of the Airwaves: An Assessment of the Nigerian Electoral Act 2026 on Broadcast Media Coverage of the Elections”.

Amupitan said the airwaves had become the primary infrastructure of the West African country’s democracy.

The Chairman of INEC also noted that if these airwaves are clear, the Nigeria sees the truth; if they are clouded by misinformation, the sovereign will of the people is threatened.

According to him, the role of broadcast media in electoral processes has become increasingly central to democratic governance, particularly in developing democracies like Nigeria’s, where access to information is uneven and often mediated through radio and television.

He stated that in Nigeria, broadcast media remain the most influential platforms for political communication, shaping public opinion, framing electoral narratives, and influencing voter behaviour.

He, however, noted that the management of the airwaves during election periods usually, goes beyond regulation to a fundamental issue of “democratic integrity and legitimacy”.

Amupitan further observed that the increasing significance of media in elections has also heightened concerns about unequal access, misinformation, hate speech, and the potential for media capture by political elites.

According to him, these challenges have necessitated regulatory interventions aimed at ensuring fairness, accountability, and transparency in political broadcasting.

The Chairman yet cautioned that such interventions must be carefully calibrated to avoid undermining the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“The tension between regulation and liberty thus lies at the heart of electoral media governance,” said he.

On enactment of Electoral Act 2026

Touching on the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, Prof. Amupitan represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s electoral reform trajectory.

He noted the Act introduces “provisions designed to regulate political advertising, guarantee equitable access to broadcast platforms, and curb the dissemination of harmful or inciting content.”

Stressing though these measures are commendable in their objectives, they equally raise critical questions regarding their scope, implementation, and implications for media independence and operational viability.

In his critical assessment of the 2026 Electoral Act as it relates to broadcast media coverage of elections, the Chairman of INEC said his presentation  interrogated the legal and institutional framework governing electoral broadcasting, evaluates the strengths and limitations of the current regime.

The paper, he explained, proposes reforms aimed at achieving a more balanced and effective regulatory system.

Key recommendations to enhance broadcast media practice, by Amupitan

In his discourse at the forum, Amupitan suggested what he described as “tripartite recommendations” – legal, institutional and industry reforms.

He said these are proffered to enhance broadcast media practice in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Legal Reforms: Improving airwaves management requires clear and targeted legal reforms. First, the concept of “equal access” should be precisely defined using measurable standards such as minimum airtime allocation and balanced coverage requirements, to eliminate ambiguity and ensure fairness.

Second, the regulatory roles of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be harmonised through a coherent legal framework that promotes coordination and avoids overlapping responsibilities.

He equally noted that sanctions for violations must be proportionate and effective, with a graduated system that distinguishes between minor and serious infractions.

“Together, these reforms would enhance clarity, strengthen enforcement, and promote a more equitable and credible electoral broadcasting environment in Nigeria.”

The Chairman of INEC opined that institutional reforms are essential for effective airwaves management during elections in Nigeria.

According to him, introducing co-regulation would involve collaboration between regulators, broadcasters, and civil society in setting and enforcing standards, thereby improving compliance, professionalism, and transparency.

This shared approach reduces resistance and enhances accountability within the media sector.

He noted besides, it is crucial to strengthen the independence of regulatory bodies to ensure impartial decision-making.

Amupitan said reforms in appointment processes, funding, and operational safeguards as well would help to insulate regulators from political interference.

Greater institutional autonomy would enhance public confidence and ensure that enforcement is fair and objective, he stated.

The INEC Chief said: “These reforms would create a more credible and balanced framework for regulating electoral broadcasting in Nigeria.”

As regards updates on the industry-led reforms, Prof. Amupitan said these are vital to complement legal and institutional measures in ensuring fair and responsible electoral broadcasting.

Focus on fact-checking mechanisms in media organisations

The Chairman of INEC emphasised that media organisations should develop and strictly adhere to internal editorial guidelines that promote balance, accuracy, and impartiality in political coverage.

“Such guidelines would help insulate newsrooms from partisan influence and reinforce professional standards,” stated he.

Besides, the Chairman noted the need to enhance “fact-checking mechanisms” to curb the spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly during election periods when false narratives can easily influence public opinion.

Establishing dedicated fact-checking units or collaborating with independent verification bodies would strengthen credibility.

Furthermore, broadcasters should promote transparency in political advertising by clearly disclosing sponsorship, pricing structures, and airtime allocation, thereby ensuring fairness and building public trust in the electoral communication process.

He stated: “To neutralise these threats, we must act with urgency.

“As we sit here today, April 8, 2026, the countdown has begun: 283 days remain until the Presidential and National Assembly Elections on January 16, 2027.”

He restated that for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections fixed for February 6, 2027, we have 304 days to go.

“I, therefore, propose an alliance between INEC, BON, the Security Agencies, and the Judiciary.

To the over 300 CEOs in this room, I offer three major surgical charges:

Fact-check in real-time: Do not wait for the post-mortem.

“Kill the fake news on your morning shows before it reaches the afternoon news,” Amupitan noted.

INEC challenges media to uphold professionalism over profit

On the need for media professionals to uphold professionalism over profit in this 2027 roadmap, the Chairman of INEC underscored that resisting the temptation to prioritise high-paying political adverts over balanced reporting would be great.

He said: “I urge you to choose the sanctity of the ballot.

“In the 2027 General Elections, the most dangerous weapon will not be a ballot-snatcher’s gun, but a smartphone-user’s lie amplified by an uncritical broadcast station.

“We must ensure that the airwaves of Nigeria remain a sanctuary for the truth, not a megaphone for chaos.”

He further stated: “We urge you to promote accurate reporting at all times.

“Our official Web site and all digital channels are veritable and authoritative points of contact for the media.”

Amupitan as well assured Nigerians that officials of the Commission authorised to speak with the media would continue to engage with them.

He added: “Let me reiterate that elections are no longer just contested only at the polling units, they are contested in the information space.

“As such, I urge the broadcast media to rise up against mis/disinformation so as to protect the sanctity of our electoral process.”

In attendance at the forum included Honourable National Commissioners of INEC, Executive Secretary of BON, members of the Central Working Committee, Heads of various broadcast media organisations, Secretary to INEC, technical aides to the Chairman, Directors, as well as other Senior Officials of the Electoral Commission.

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