2027 Elections at Risk? Joash Amupitan Warns Fake News Could Undermine Nigeria’s Democracy

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has raised a red flag ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that misinformation and disinformation now pose the biggest threat to electoral credibility in Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja, Amupitan stressed that the battlefield has shifted from ballot box violence to digital manipulation, with social media and broadcast platforms capable of shaping public opinion long before election day.

He cautioned media organisations to uphold fairness, noting that the Electoral Act mandates equal airtime and imposes penalties—including fines and possible jail terms—for violations. A 24-hour media blackout before elections and strict rules against hate speech are also part of measures to protect the process.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN,
photo credit: INEC

Amid rising political tensions and protests led by figures like Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi, the INEC boss denied bias, insisting the commission remains neutral and guided by court rulings.

With digital narratives now shaping voter behavior, Amupitan warned that unchecked fake news could erode public trust and distort election outcomes if not urgently addressed.

Written by Boom RadioNG