2027: INEC Chairman, Amupitan Speaks Amid Call For His Removal

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has warned that misinformation and disinformation pose the greatest threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

.....

Naija News reports that Amupitan raised the concern on Wednesday while speaking at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria in Abuja.

Emphasising the crucial role of the media, the INEC boss described Nigeria’s broadcast space as central to democratic survival.

Amupitan warned that electoral threats have evolved from physical disruptions to digital manipulation, with social media now playing a dominant role.

“In the 2027 General Election, 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.

He stressed that unchecked misinformation, when amplified by traditional media, could undermine public trust and distort electoral outcomes.

The INEC chairman pointed to provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 aimed at curbing abuse of the media space during elections.

According to him, the law mandates fairness, including equal airtime for all political parties.

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

He warned that non-compliance attracts stiff penalties, including fines of up to N5m for organisations, while responsible officials may face possible imprisonment.

Amupitan also highlighted key regulations governing political communication, including a mandatory 24-hour media blackout before election day.

The measure, he said, is designed to prevent last-minute voter manipulation.

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

Despite the legal framework, the INEC boss acknowledged persistent challenges in regulating political broadcasting.

He cited weak enforcement of rules, commercialisation of airtime, and the dominance of wealthy political actors in the media space.

“Political actors with greater financial resources dominate broadcast space,” he noted, warning that such an imbalance undermines fairness and equal access.

Call For Collaboration, Professionalism

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

He also urged media organisations to prioritise professionalism and accuracy over financial gain.

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

He stressed that modern elections are no longer fought only at polling units but also within the information ecosystem, where public opinion is shaped long before election day.

Opposition Protests At INEC Headquarters

Amupitan’s remarks came hours after opposition leaders staged a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

The protest was led by prominent political figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

They were joined by leaders of the African Democratic Congress, who accused the INEC chairman of working with the ruling party to undermine their chances in the 2027 election.

Reacting to the allegations in a recent interview on ARISE Television, Amupitan denied any bias or involvement in partisan politics.

“Let me state very clearly that I’m not a part of anyone’s plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state,” he said.

On claims that the commission mishandled the ADC leadership dispute, he maintained that INEC acted strictly in line with court directives.

“If this judgment didn’t come, would I decide on my own? Even on social media, if you look at people who talk, they speak from their own interests,” he stated.

“The question is whether they lack confidence in what INEC has done. INEC didn’t make the decision that is causing these grievances.”

The INEC chairman concluded by reiterating that the battle for credible elections in 2027 would largely be fought in the information space.

He warned that unless misinformation is tackled decisively, it could erode public trust and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.