The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has cautioned broadcast media organisations against the spread of misinformation, warning that the integrity of the 2027 General Elections will depend significantly on how responsibly Nigeria’s airwaves are managed.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, the INEC Chairman stressed that the information space has become a critical battleground in modern elections. He noted that the greatest threat to credible polls may no longer be physical disruptions, but the rapid spread of false information amplified through unverified broadcasts.
Prof. Amupitan emphasised the need for strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, particularly provisions guiding political broadcasting. He drew attention to statutory obligations requiring equal access to media platforms for all political parties, noting that with 22 registered parties, fairness in airtime allocation and coverage is a legal requirement, not a matter of discretion.
The INEC Chairman further highlighted the provisions of the law prohibiting the use of abusive, inflammatory, or divisive language capable of inciting ethnic, religious, or sectional tensions. He warned that irresponsible broadcasting could undermine national cohesion and destabilise the electoral process, urging media practitioners to uphold professionalism at all times.
He also reminded broadcasters of the mandatory 24-hour “cooling-off period” before Election Day, during which political campaigns and advertisements are prohibited. According to him, the measure is designed to allow voters reflect and make informed decisions free from last-minute manipulation or misinformation. While acknowledging the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, Prof. Amupitan maintained that such freedom must be exercised within the framework of the law. He explained that as a public resource, the airwaves impose a responsibility on regulators and operators alike to ensure equitable access and responsible usage during elections.
The INEC Chairman underscored the complementary roles of INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission in safeguarding the integrity of political broadcasting. He, however, identified challenges such as regulatory overlaps, enforcement gaps, and the increasing convergence of traditional and digital media, which has made monitoring more complex.
Raising concerns over perceived incumbency advantage in state-owned media and the growing commercialisation of political airtime, Prof. Amupitan warned that such practices could disadvantage smaller political parties and weaken the level playing field required for credible elections.
To address these challenges, he called for stronger collaboration between regulatory bodies, clearer legal definitions of equal access, improved fact-checking mechanisms, and greater transparency in political advertising, including full disclosure of sponsorship and pricing.
The INEC Chairman charged broadcast organisations to prioritise truth and professionalism over profit, urging them to verify information before dissemination and actively combat fake news. He also called on the media to play a proactive role in mobilising citizens to participate in the electoral process.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to transparency, Prof. Amupitan advised broadcasters to rely on INEC’s official platforms as authoritative sources of electoral information, assuring them of continued engagement with designated Commission spokespersons.
He concluded that the credibility of the 2027 General Election will depend not only on electoral logistics and technology but also on the integrity of the information environment, urging the media to act responsibly in the overriding interest of Nigeria’s democracy.
About the author
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Chelle reignites the Super Eagles’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup in Kigali.
On Friday, Eric Chelle became the inaugural non-Nigerian African coach to take the helm of the Super Eagles. The Malian coach directed his first match, resulting in a 2-0 win against Rwanda during a qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took place on January 7, as he replaced Finidi George and succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. Since that time, he has dedicated three months to traveling across Nigeria, observing domestic league matches, and engaging with his players based in Europe. However, his initial team selection remained perplexing. Chelle opted for a highly offensive formation in Kigali, which appeared unbalanced on paper. Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon were all included in the attacking lineup, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi occupied the midfield positions. "I had mixed feelings. […]
Don’t throw Ibadan into chaos, CCII cautions Fayose over ‘plot to oust Olubadan’ claim Makinde
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has come down hard on former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose over his recent comments alleging a plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.Fayose had in a post on his X handle claimed that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was planning to depose the Olubadan, a statement that has triggered reactions from stakeholders in Oyo State.Reacting to the allegation, the CCII described the former governor’s remarks as unfounded, provocative and capable of inciting unrest in Ibadanland. In a statement issued yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, the council said Fayose’s comments were not only misleading, but also a dangerous attempt to politicise traditional institutions.The statement quoted the CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, as expressing concern about what he termed reckless interference in Ibadan affairs.Ajewole warned that Fayose’s remarks could […]
U.S. hails Nigeria over 386 terrorism convictions
Nigeria got a pat on the back yesterday from the United States for accelerating the prosecution of terrorism-related cases. The commendation followed the conviction of 386 suspects in recent mass trials.In a statement published via X on Sunday, Massad Boulos, the US senior advisor for Arab and African Affairs, said Washington welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening accountability and justice. The post reads: “The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes. We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts,” the statement reads.“We believe that timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions. Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, […]
“I’m not a king”, ‘Eze Ndigbo’ apologises after S’Africa violence
The man who sparked a diplomatic storm over an alleged coronation as Igbo king in the Eastern Cape, South Africa has publicly apologised, insisting he was never crowned. Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, who sparked outrage after the March 14 event in KuGompo, said the entire situation was misunderstood.“I was never coronated as a king. I am not a king and would not purport to be one,” Eziko said in an official statement released yesterday. His apology comes after a violent protest erupted in kuGompo last Monday, with angry traditional leaders and residents accusing foreign nationals of undermining South Africa’s sovereignty and traditional systems.The protest came after videos and images shared online, in which members of the Nigerian community said they had crowned Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as the Igwe Ndigbo in East Cape. Demonstrations over the alleged coronation turned violent, with […]
How 75-year-old grand father raped, impregnated 14-year-old grand daughter in Niger
In the dusty compounds of Mashegu Local Government Area, where extended families live under one roof and children are often left in the care of grandparents, 14-year-old Hadiza’s childhood ended long before she understood what it meant to be a child.She has lived in her maternal grandfather’s household since she was two. The man she calls “grandpa”, 75-year-old Malam Musa Gado, is not just the patriarch of a sprawling family of four wives and roughly 40 grandchildren, he is also the man who arranged the marriage of her mother. For more than a decade, Hadiza’s world was bounded by his compound walls. But that world collapsed during the holy month of Ramadan last year. In a low, trembling voice captured in an interview that has now circulated on Crusaders Radio in Minna, Hadiza recalled how Malam Musa began to isolate […]
Tinubu mourns “unforgettable heroes”
The President mourned soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, killed during a terrorist attack on their base in Benisheikh, Borno State. He described them as “unforgettable heroes” whose sacrifices will not be in vain.A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, which was available to Ayemafuge said the President urged Nigerians and the media to support the Armed Forces in ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that the terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the brigade headquarters around 12:30am yesterday but were repelled by troops after a fierce exchange.President Tinubu commiserated with the military leadership, families of the fallen troops, as well as the government and people of Borno State, praising the soldiers for their courage in preventing the attackers from overrunning nearby communities.He said sustained land […]
Boko Haram fighter who killed many sentenced to death
A Boko Haram fighter involved in killing of many people in the Northeast was sentenced to death in Abuja yesterday, 09/4/26 as part of the ongoing trial of 500 suspected terrorists.Our correspondent reports that Auwalu Samaila, who was unrepentant got the death sentence after prosecutor established his involvement in many Boko Haram operation across towns in Abamawa and Borno States.Samaila, one of the 500 terrorism suspects being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), was arraigned on a six-count charge.In the charge marked: FHC/KNJ//CR/122/2026, Samaila, a native of Gulak Village, Madagali Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa, was listed as the sole defendant.The death sentence was in relation to counts four, five and six, while he got 25 years on counts one and two. Samaila was also sentenced to 30 years imprisonment on count three. […]
Related
Don’t throw Ibadan into chaos, CCII cautions Fayose over ‘plot to oust Olubadan’ claim Makinde
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has come down hard on former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose over his recent comments alleging a plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.Fayose had in a post on his X handle claimed that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was planning to depose the Olubadan, a statement that has triggered reactions from stakeholders in Oyo State.Reacting to the allegation, the CCII described the former governor’s remarks as unfounded, provocative and capable of inciting unrest in Ibadanland. In a statement issued yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, the council said Fayose’s comments were not only misleading, but also a dangerous attempt to politicise traditional institutions.The statement quoted the CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, as expressing concern about what he termed reckless interference in Ibadan affairs.Ajewole warned that Fayose’s remarks could […]
U.S. hails Nigeria over 386 terrorism convictions
Nigeria got a pat on the back yesterday from the United States for accelerating the prosecution of terrorism-related cases. The commendation followed the conviction of 386 suspects in recent mass trials.In a statement published via X on Sunday, Massad Boulos, the US senior advisor for Arab and African Affairs, said Washington welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening accountability and justice. The post reads: “The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes. We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts,” the statement reads.“We believe that timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions. Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, […]
“I’m not a king”, ‘Eze Ndigbo’ apologises after S’Africa violence
The man who sparked a diplomatic storm over an alleged coronation as Igbo king in the Eastern Cape, South Africa has publicly apologised, insisting he was never crowned. Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, who sparked outrage after the March 14 event in KuGompo, said the entire situation was misunderstood.“I was never coronated as a king. I am not a king and would not purport to be one,” Eziko said in an official statement released yesterday. His apology comes after a violent protest erupted in kuGompo last Monday, with angry traditional leaders and residents accusing foreign nationals of undermining South Africa’s sovereignty and traditional systems.The protest came after videos and images shared online, in which members of the Nigerian community said they had crowned Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as the Igwe Ndigbo in East Cape. Demonstrations over the alleged coronation turned violent, with […]
How 75-year-old grand father raped, impregnated 14-year-old grand daughter in Niger
In the dusty compounds of Mashegu Local Government Area, where extended families live under one roof and children are often left in the care of grandparents, 14-year-old Hadiza’s childhood ended long before she understood what it meant to be a child.She has lived in her maternal grandfather’s household since she was two. The man she calls “grandpa”, 75-year-old Malam Musa Gado, is not just the patriarch of a sprawling family of four wives and roughly 40 grandchildren, he is also the man who arranged the marriage of her mother. For more than a decade, Hadiza’s world was bounded by his compound walls. But that world collapsed during the holy month of Ramadan last year. In a low, trembling voice captured in an interview that has now circulated on Crusaders Radio in Minna, Hadiza recalled how Malam Musa began to isolate […]
Terrorism: Court convicts 386 in four-day mass trial in Abuja court
A total of 386 suspects who were tried for terrorism related offences were convicted during a four-day special court sitting of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Our correspondent in Abuja understands that they were among the 598 defendants brought before the court by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.Speaking at the conclusion of the sitting yesterday, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) expressed delight about the outcome of the exercise.He said: “In total, we brought about 508 cases. Out of these 508 we were able to secure 386 convictions. Eight discharges, two acquittals and 112 adjourned to the next session or phase. “Don’t forget that this is the ninth phase. The 10th phase will come up between the 15th and the 18th of June by God’s special grace.“The […]
Tinubu mourns “unforgettable heroes”
The President mourned soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, killed during a terrorist attack on their base in Benisheikh, Borno State. He described them as “unforgettable heroes” whose sacrifices will not be in vain.A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, which was available to Ayemafuge said the President urged Nigerians and the media to support the Armed Forces in ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that the terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the brigade headquarters around 12:30am yesterday but were repelled by troops after a fierce exchange.President Tinubu commiserated with the military leadership, families of the fallen troops, as well as the government and people of Borno State, praising the soldiers for their courage in preventing the attackers from overrunning nearby communities.He said sustained land […]
Be the first to leave a comment