INEC Urges Fairness in Broadcasting for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, addressed the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria in Abuja, urging broadcasters to uphold fairness and accuracy in their reporting as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.

He highlighted the critical role of broadcast media in maintaining electoral integrity and public trust, particularly in light of the growing influence of digital media. Amupitan emphasized the need for equal access to media platforms as mandated by the Electoral Act of 2026, which prohibits the misuse of state-owned media to favor any political party or candidate.

He cautioned against inflammatory political messaging and reiterated the restrictions on campaign broadcasts close to election day. With 283 days remaining until the presidential and national assembly elections on January 16, 2027, Amupitan called for stronger collaboration among regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and combat misinformation, urging media outlets to engage in real-time fact-checking to promote voter participation and uphold democratic standards.