The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, has cautioned that the spread of false information could become the most serious threat to Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
He made this known on Wednesday while addressing participants at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria in Abuja. During his remarks, he emphasized the critical role of the media in preserving democratic values, describing radio and television as powerful platforms capable of shaping public perception.
Amupitan explained that the risks surrounding elections have changed significantly over time, largely due to the rise of social media and digital communication channels. He warned that these tools, if misused, could have far-reaching consequences.
According to him, “In the 2027 General Election, the most dangerous weapon will not be guns, but false information shared through smartphones and spread by careless broadcasting.”
To address these concerns, he pointed to key provisions within the Electoral Act 2026 aimed at regulating political communication. These measures include ensuring equal access to airtime for all political parties and imposing strict penalties on media organisations that fail to comply.
He noted that any broadcaster found violating these rules could face fines of up to N5 million, while responsible individuals might also risk imprisonment. Additionally, he outlined regulations governing political messaging, including a 24-hour restriction on political broadcasts before election day to prevent last-minute voter manipulation.
Amupitan also issued a warning against the use of hate speech or content that could trigger religious or ethnic tensions, stressing the need for responsible journalism.
Despite the existence of these guidelines, he acknowledged persistent challenges such as weak enforcement of regulations, the commercialisation of airtime, and the advantage enjoyed by wealthier political actors.
To tackle these issues, he called for stronger collaboration between INEC, broadcasting organisations, security agencies, and the judiciary. He also urged media practitioners to prioritise accuracy, professionalism, and public interest over profit.
According to him, modern elections are no longer decided solely at polling units but are increasingly influenced online, where public opinion is shaped long before voters cast their ballots.
His comments come shortly after a protest by opposition leaders at INEC headquarters in Abuja. The demonstration involved prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi, alongside members of the African Democratic Congress.
The protesters accused the INEC chairman of aligning with the ruling party to undermine opposition chances in the 2027 election.
However, Amupitan firmly rejected the allegations. In a recent interview, he maintained that he is not involved in any effort to establish a one-party system in Nigeria.
He further clarified that the commission’s actions regarding the leadership dispute within the ADC were based strictly on court directives, not independent decisions.
