INEC false information 2027 election threat flagged by Prof. Joash Amupitan as he warns media and digital platforms ahead of polls
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned that false information represents the biggest threat to Nigeria’s 2027 general election during a public address in Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).
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The warning came as Prof. Amupitan urged broadcasters and media organisations to take greater responsibility in safeguarding democratic processes ahead of the polls.
He stressed that radio and television remain powerful tools in shaping public opinion and warned that their influence must be exercised with accuracy, discipline, and professionalism.
Prof. Amupitan noted that election risks have evolved significantly due to the rise of social media and digital communication platforms, which now allow false narratives to spread rapidly across the country.
According to him, the most dangerous weapon in the 2027 electoral process will not be physical violence but misinformation circulated through smartphones and amplified by irresponsible broadcasting.
He referenced provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 designed to regulate political communication, including equal airtime allocation for political parties and penalties for media organisations that breach electoral guidelines.
He warned that any broadcasting station found violating the law could face fines of up to N5 million, while responsible individuals risk imprisonment depending on the severity of the offence.
The INEC chairman also highlighted a 24-hour ban on political broadcasts before election day, aimed at reducing last-minute manipulation of voters and curbing inflammatory messaging.
Prof. Amupitan cautioned against hate speech and content capable of inciting ethnic or religious tension, describing such conduct as a direct threat to national stability.
Despite the regulatory framework, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including weak enforcement of media laws, commercialisation of airtime, and financial imbalance among political actors.
To address these issues, he called for stronger collaboration between INEC, security agencies, the judiciary, and broadcasting organisations to ensure a credible electoral process.
He further urged media houses to prioritise accuracy over profit, warning that elections are now influenced not only at polling units but also within digital spaces where public opinion is shaped.
INEC concern comes amid rising political tensions, following recent protests by opposition figures at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
The protest involved Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi alongside members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who accused the commission of bias ahead of the 2027 elections.
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However, Prof. Amupitan has denied the allegations, insisting that INEC operates strictly within the law and complies with judicial rulings in all electoral matters.
