Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has cautioned that misinformation—especially when amplified by the media—could pose the most serious threat to Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

Speaking at the 81st general assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, Amupitan said modern elections are increasingly shaped in the “information space,” making broadcasters central to protecting democratic integrity.

He described the media as a critical pillar of democracy but warned that the spread of false information, hate speech, and unequal access to airtime could undermine credible elections.

According to him, the greatest danger in 2027 will not be physical disruption but the spread of falsehoods through digital platforms and uncritical broadcasting.

Prof Amupitan pointed to provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 designed to address these challenges, including requirements for equal airtime for political parties and penalties for violations. Media organisations that fail to comply risk fines of up to ₦5 million, while responsible officers could face imprisonment.

He also highlighted restrictions such as a 24-hour media blackout before election day to limit last-minute voter manipulation. Campaigns are further barred from using language that could inflame ethnic, religious, or sectional tensions.

Despite these safeguards, Amupitan noted ongoing issues such as weak enforcement, the commercialisation of airtime, and the dominance of well-funded political actors in media coverage.

To tackle these challenges, he called for stronger collaboration between INEC, broadcasters, security agencies, and the judiciary. He also urged media organisations to uphold professionalism, prioritise fact-checking, and support voter education.

“Elections are no longer decided only at polling units,” he said. “They are now fought in the information space.”