By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has underscored the critical role of broadcast media in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, declaring that elections are increasingly being “won or lost in the information space.”
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) in his address at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), highlighted the impact of the law on election coverage and media regulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing top broadcast executives and stakeholders, INEC commended media organisations for their professionalism during the Anambra 2025 and FCT 2026 elections, noting that their coverage helped bridge the gap between electoral processes and public trust.
The Commission, however, warned that the growing influence of broadcast platforms makes the management of the airwaves a matter of democratic integrity.
“Your airwaves have become the primary infrastructure of our democracy. If they are clear, the nation sees the truth; if they are clouded by misinformation, the sovereign will of the people is threatened,” the Commission stated.
INEC explained that the Electoral Act 2026 introduced new provisions to ensure fairness in political broadcasting, including equal access to media platforms, regulation of campaign content, and sanctions for violations.
Under the law, public media are required to allocate equal airtime to political parties during similar hours, particularly in prime time, while prohibiting the use of state-owned platforms to favour any candidate.
The Commission noted that these measures are designed to curb incumbency advantage and ensure a level playing field, especially with the presence of 23 registered political parties.
Despite these provisions, INEC acknowledged persistent challenges, including unequal access to airtime, the commercialisation of political advertising, and weak enforcement of regulations.
It also raised concerns about the influence of misinformation, hate speech, and the growing convergence of traditional and digital media, which complicates regulatory oversight.
“A tool like the broadcast media can strengthen democracy, but if misused, it can distort public perception and undermine electoral credibility,” the Commission warned.
INEC further highlighted institutional challenges, including overlapping roles between the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the electoral body, as well as concerns about regulatory independence and capacity limitations.
To address these issues, the Commission called for closer collaboration among stakeholders, proposing an alliance involving INEC, BON, security agencies, and the judiciary to ensure credible elections.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer—scheduled for January 16 (Presidential and National Assembly) and February 6 (Governorship and State Assembly)—INEC urged broadcasters to prioritise professionalism over profit.
“Fact-check in real time. Do not wait for the post-mortem. Kill fake news before it spreads,” the Commission charged media executives.
It also encouraged broadcasters to mobilise voter participation and resist the temptation to prioritise high-paying political advertisements over balanced reporting.
INEC warned that misinformation amplified by broadcast stations could pose a greater threat than traditional election malpractices.
“The most dangerous weapon in 2027 may not be a gun, but a lie amplified through the airwaves,” it said.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, the Commission urged media organisations to promote accurate reporting and rely on official INEC channels for verified information.
It concluded that the integrity of Nigeria’s elections depends not only on voting processes but also on the fairness and transparency of the information environment shaping voter decisions.
