INEC Chairman Amupitan Warns Broadcast Media Against Misinformation Ahead of 2027 General Elections

Prof. Joash Amupitan warns media bodies against amplified lies and misinformation ahead of Nigeria's 2027 elections. New guidelines for broadcasters proposed.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 6:10 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from THISDAYLIVE

Electoral Commission Flags Media Misinformation as Primary Threat

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has identified the digital amplification of falsehoods as the most significant danger to the 2027 general elections. Addressing the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria in Abuja, Amupitan asserted that the traditional threat of physical ballot snatching has been surpassed by the potential for uncritical broadcast stations to spread misinformation. According to the chairman, the information space has become the new frontline of democratic contestation, requiring media airwaves to serve as a sanctuary for truth rather than a megaphone for social chaos.

Countdown to the 2027 Presidential and State Polls

With the administrative clock officially ticking, the commission has outlined a strict timeline for the next cycle of democratic leadership selection. As of April 8, 2026, exactly 283 days remain before the Presidential and National Assembly Elections scheduled for January 16, 2027. This will be followed 21 days later by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections on February 6, 2027. Amupitan emphasized that the ultimate credibility of these upcoming votes depends heavily on how responsibly the broadcast industry manages its content in the months leading up to the first ballot.

Statutory Framework Prohibits Inflammatory Political Rhetoric

The electoral chief reminded media executives of their legal obligations under Section 96(1) of the Act, which strictly forbids the use of abusive, slanderous, or inflammatory language. In a diverse and pluralistic society, Amupitan warned that careless political broadcasting has the power to ignite ethnic and religious tensions, potentially destabilizing the entire electoral environment. He stressed that the distinction between robust political debate and dangerous incitement must remain sharp, as any blurring of this line poses a direct risk to national security and the integrity of the democratic process.