INEC Highlights Broadcast Media's Role in Elections

During the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, underscored the vital role of broadcast media in safeguarding Nigeria's democracy and influencing election outcomes.

He noted that media coverage helps bridge the gap between the electoral process and public trust in the commission. Amupitan warned of the growing influence of broadcast platforms, which could distort public perception and undermine electoral credibility.

He highlighted provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 aimed at ensuring fair political broadcasts, including equal access to media platforms for political parties and regulations against using state-owned platforms to favor candidates. Despite these measures, challenges such as unequal access to airtime and the rise of misinformation persist.

Amupitan called for collaboration among stakeholders, including security agencies and the judiciary, to ensure credible elections, urging media organizations to prioritize accurate reporting and voter participation ahead of the scheduled elections on January 16 and February 6, 2027.