Paragraph 1
In a decisive move to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic process, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a stark warning to broadcasters, online publishers, and bloggers against the use of their platforms for the dissemination of misinformation, hate speech, and inflammatory material as the nation gears up for the 2027 general elections. This advisory comes hot on the heels of the official lifting of the ban on political campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections, signaling the start of a highly charged political season. The commission, through a statement signed by Moses Jolayemi, the technical adviser to the Director-General, emphasized that the commencement of political campaigns places a profound responsibility on all information disseminators to uphold the tenets of accuracy, fairness, and professionalism, moving beyond mere commercial opportunity to embrace a crucial public duty. The NBC underscored that the integrity of the electoral process is inextricably linked to the quality and credibility of the information environment, urging stakeholders to ensure that Nigerians are equipped with the factual and balanced reporting needed to make informed decisions at the polls.
Paragraph 2
The NBC’s warning, which quotes the Director-General, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, specifically calls upon radio and television broadcasters to recognize the enormous influence their platforms wield over public opinion and voter choices. The commission has mandated that all licensed broadcasters ensure political coverage is not only fair and balanced but also equitable, explicitly forbidding any actions that could promote or suppress particular political parties, candidates, or viewpoints. Beyond the ethos of fairness, the NBC issued a strict directive regarding the handling of unverified claims. Broadcasters are now obliged to subject all political statements, especially those involving allegations of corruption, criminality, or electoral manipulation, to rigorous editorial verification before they are allowed to go on air. This directive extends to the protection of individual reputations, requiring stations to respect the right of reply for those who have been misrepresented and to treat such rectifications with the urgency they warrant.
Paragraph 3
Focusing on the conduct of media professionals, the NBC cautioned presenters, anchors, reporters, and producers against allowing their personal political biases to contaminate their professional output. The commission was explicit that personal political views must never be presented as facts, and it has forbidden presenters from intimidating guests, suppressing opposing viewpoints, or manipulating discussions to favor specific political interests. Crucially, the NBC clarified that the ultimate responsibility for all content, including material introduced by guests, callers, and panellists during live broadcasts, rests solely with the broadcaster. In an effort to enforce accountability, the commission also declared its intention to closely monitor political airtime allocation. Broadcasters are now required to maintain scrupulous records detailing the dates, programs, and duration of political airtime given to various parties and candidates, ensuring that equal opportunity extends beyond the mere sale of airtime to prevent systemic advantages for any political entity.
Paragraph 4
The commission also turned its attention to the content and nature of political advertising, reminding broadcasters that such ads must remain clearly distinguishable from news and editorial content and must strictly adhere to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. Of particular concern to the NBC is the rampant use of digital and social platforms to spread inflammatory and divisive content. The commission issued a robust warning against any content capable of inciting violence, promoting hatred, or threatening public order. It stressed that the political season must not become a tool for mobilizing Nigerians against one another along ethnic, religious, or regional lines. The NBC’s advisory also extends to the dissemination of election results, cautioning broadcasters against spreading results or projections from unofficial sources. It has strictly forbidden the use of exit polls or other unverified data to speculate on a candidate’s chances, insisting that only results announced by the duly authorized electoral officer should be reported.
Paragraph 5
Anticipating the potential for post-election disinformation, the NBC outlined the parameters for the statutory campaign silence period. It directed that all partisan political broadcasts, jingles, and campaigns must cease no later than 24 hours before the polling day. To ensure compliance, the commission has announced that it will intensify its monitoring of political broadcasts throughout the electioneering period. This scrutiny will not be limited to paid adverts but will also cover news bulletins, current affairs programs, political debates, call-in shows, and live broadcasts. The NBC’s monitoring team has been tasked with paying close attention to patterns of airtime allocation, balance, and presenter conduct, as well as any signs of the spread of hate speech and misinformation. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the platforms do not become vehicles for false or deliberately misleading information that could destabilize the democratic process.
Paragraph 6
Finally, the NBC called upon all stakeholders within the information ecosystem—including online publishers, bloggers, and social media commentators—to exercise the highest degree of responsibility in the interest of national peace and democratic stability. The commission clarified that its objective is not to restrict legitimate political expression but to ensure that the country’s information environment remains conducive to peaceful democratic participation. It emphasized that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process depends heavily on the credibility of the information environment. As such, the NBC urged everyone involved to familiarize themselves with the relevant provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, the Electoral Act 2026, and the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The commission called for a collective effort to ensure that the 2027 elections are characterized by an informed and engaged citizenry, free from the corrosive influence of misinformation and the threat of electoral violence.