INEC Chairman Warns Misinformation Could Be 'Most Dangerous Weapon' for 2027 Election
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has issued a stark warning that misinformation could become the "most dangerous weapon" capable of influencing the outcome of Nigeria's 2027 General Election. Speaking at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, Prof. Amupitan emphasized the critical role of the information space in modern elections, where false information amplified through unverified broadcasts poses a severe threat to credible polls.
Electoral Law and Media Responsibility Highlighted
Prof. Amupitan highlighted the Electoral Act 2026, stressing that political broadcasting must comply with legal provisions that guarantee equal access for all 22 registered political parties. He reminded broadcasters that fairness in airtime allocation is a legal obligation, not a matter of discretion, and warned against the use of abusive, inflammatory, or divisive language that could incite ethnic, religious, or sectional tensions. The INEC Chairman also reiterated the mandatory 24-hour "cooling-off period" before Election Day, during which all political campaigns and advertisements are prohibited to allow voters to make informed decisions free from last-minute manipulation.
Challenges in the Media Landscape Addressed
Acknowledging the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, Prof. Amupitan stressed that such freedom must operate within the law, noting that airwaves are a public resource that imposes responsibility on both regulators and media operators. He raised concerns over regulatory overlaps, enforcement gaps, and the convergence of traditional and digital media, which have made monitoring more complex. Additionally, he highlighted perceived advantages for incumbents in state-owned media and the commercialisation of political airtime, warning that these practices could disadvantage smaller parties. Prof. Amupitan called for stronger collaboration, clear legal definitions, improved fact-checking, and transparency in political advertising to safeguard a level playing field.
Action Demanded from Media Professionals
Prof. Amupitan urged broadcasters to prioritize truth and professionalism over profit, verify information before dissemination, and actively combat fake news. He encouraged media organisations to mobilize citizens to participate in elections and rely on INEC's official platforms for accurate electoral information. "The credibility of the 2027 General Election will depend not only on logistics and technology but also on the integrity of the information environment," he added, stressing the overriding interest of Nigeria's democracy. The INEC Chairman reaffirmed the complementary roles of INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission in ensuring responsible political broadcasting, promising continued engagement with designated Commission spokespersons to support transparency and fair coverage.
