By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has faced sharp criticism from Nigerian netizens following his appeal to broadcasters to uphold fairness and professionalism ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, Prof. Amupitan stressed that the management of the airwaves under the Electoral Act 2026 would be decisive in shaping public trust and democratic outcomes. He underscored the critical role of broadcast media in safeguarding electoral integrity, urging broadcasters to prioritise fairness, accuracy, and professionalism.
“Your airwaves have become the primary infrastructure of our democracy,” Amupitan warned. “If they are clear, the nation sees the truth; if they are clouded by misinformation, the sovereign will of the people is threatened.”
The INEC chairman highlighted key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly those mandating equal access to media platforms and prohibiting the misuse of state-owned media. He explained that “state apparatus, including the media, shall not be employed to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election.” He also emphasised that media time must be allocated equally among political parties or candidates at similar hours of the day.
Amupitan further cautioned against inflammatory political messaging, citing the law which states that “a political campaign or slogan shall not be tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings.” He also reminded broadcasters of the restriction on campaign broadcasts close to election day, noting that “any person, print or electronic medium that broadcasts, publishes, advertises or circulates any material within 24 hours immediately preceding or on polling day commits an offence under this Act.”
While acknowledging the reforms introduced by the new law, the INEC chairman expressed concerns over enforcement gaps, regulatory overlap, and the growing influence of digital media, warning that these challenges could undermine the legal framework. He called for stronger collaboration among regulators, industry players, security agencies, and the judiciary to ensure compliance and accountability.
However, the INEC chairman’s appeal was met with widespread scepticism online, with many Nigerians questioning his moral authority to speak on fairness. Critics pointed to what they described as the Commission’s recent role in undermining democracy and allegedly paving the way for the incumbent president to run unopposed in 2027.
Abdussamad Bunyamin Harun reacted sarcastically: “Eye-Neck [a popular pejorative nickname for INEC] de tell people to uphold fairness ke? Thief de preach security?”
Abubakar Marafa Sadeeq asked: “Is the current INEC chairman fair in terms of being impartial when it comes to political party matters?”
Onyeka Nwachukwu remarked: “Broadcasters should be fair, while INEC is not independent.”
Paschal added: “Injustice is advising people to be fair.”
Oluremi questioned: “Did you lay down a fairness example?”
With the 2027 elections approaching, the Commission disclosed that “283 days remain until the Presidential and National Assembly Elections on January 16, 2027,” and “304 days to go” before the governorship and state assembly polls.
