Misinformation biggest threat to 2027 elections – Amupitan

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned that misinformation poses the greatest threat to the credibility of the 2027 general election. Amupitan, who has faced growing public scrutiny in recent months, made the remark on Wednesday while delivering a speech at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting […]

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned that misinformation poses the greatest threat to the credibility of the 2027 general election.

Amupitan, who has faced growing public scrutiny in recent months, made the remark on Wednesday while delivering a speech at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja.

Emphasising the critical role of the media in safeguarding democracy, he described the nation’s airwaves as the “primary infrastructure of our democracy,” urging broadcasters to act responsibly in the lead-up to the polls.

He said the nature of electoral threats has evolved significantly, with digital platforms now playing a central role.

“In the 2027 general elections, the most dangerous weapon will not be a ballot-snatcher’s gun, but a smartphone-user’s lies amplified by an uncritical broadcast station,” he said.

The INEC chairman pointed to provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 designed to curb such risks, including requirements for equal airtime for all political parties and penalties for non-compliance.

“The Act mandates fairness and balance. You must provide a level playing field,” he said.

He explained that media organisations that fail to comply could face fines of up to N5 million, while responsible officers risk possible imprisonment.

Amupitan also highlighted regulations governing political messaging, including a mandatory 24-hour “media blackout” before election day to limit last-minute voter manipulation.

He added that the law criminalises hate speech and inflammatory content, warning against language capable of provoking religious, ethnic, or sectional tensions.

Despite these measures, he acknowledged ongoing challenges such as weak enforcement of regulations, the commercialisation of airtime, and the disproportionate media advantage enjoyed by incumbent political actors.

“Political actors with greater financial resources dominate broadcast space,” he noted, adding that this trend undermines equal access and fairness in the electoral process.

To address these concerns, Amupitan called for stronger collaboration between INEC, BON, security agencies, and the judiciary.

He also urged media organisations to uphold higher editorial standards and prioritise accuracy over profit.

“Fact-check in real-time, mobilise voters’ turnout and choose professionalism over profit,” he said.

He said modern elections are no longer fought solely at polling units, but also in the information space, where public perception can be shaped long before votes are cast.