False information poses the greatest threat to Nigeria’s 2027 general election, according to Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He made the statement on Wednesday during the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, emphasizing the critical role of media in safeguarding democracy. Amupitan warned that in the digital age, misinformation spread through smartphones and careless broadcasting could undermine electoral integrity more than physical violence. He stressed that radio and television remain powerful tools for shaping public opinion and urged broadcasters to uphold professionalism and accuracy.
The INEC chairman noted that election threats have evolved with the rise of social media and digital platforms. “In the 2027 General Election, the most dangerous weapon will not be guns, but false information shared through smartphones and spread by careless broadcasting,” he said. To combat this, he highlighted provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 aimed at regulating media conduct during elections. These include mandatory equal airtime for all political parties and penalties for non-compliance. Media organisations found violating the law could face fines of up to N5 million, while individuals in charge may be jailed.
Amupitan also outlined specific rules for political broadcasts, including a 24-hour ban on political messages before election day to prevent last-minute voter manipulation. He warned against hate speech and content that could incite religious or ethnic tensions. Despite these regulations, he acknowledged persistent challenges such as weak enforcement, the illegal sale of airtime, and unfair advantages for wealthy politicians. These issues, he said, distort fair competition and erode public trust in the electoral process.
To address these problems, Amupitan called for stronger collaboration between INEC, broadcasting bodies, security agencies, and the judiciary. He urged media houses to prioritize truth and public service over profit-driven reporting. He added that modern elections are fought not only at polling units but also online, where digital narratives can influence voter decisions long before ballots are cast. His remarks come amid growing political tensions, including a recent protest at INEC headquarters by opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). They accused Amupitan of colluding with the ruling party to sabotage their chances in 2027.
Amupitan denied the allegations, stating in a recent interview that he is not part of any effort to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. He clarified that INEC’s actions regarding the ADC leadership were based on court orders, not unilateral decisions. As Nigeria prepares for its next general election, the focus on media responsibility and digital integrity will be crucial in ensuring a fair and credible electoral process.
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