2027: NBC Warns Broadcasters, Bloggers Against Misinformation, Hate Speech

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has warned broadcasters, online publishers, bloggers and other participants in Nigeria’s information ecosystem against using their platforms to spread misinformation, hate speech and inflammatory content ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The commission issued the warning as political parties and candidates begin preparations for campaigns ahead of the elections.

 

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable, campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections begin on September 9.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Moses Jolayemi, Technical Adviser to the NBC Director-General, Charles Ebuebu, the commission urged broadcasters to recognise their influence on public opinion and voters’ decisions.

 

Ebuebu called on radio and television stations to uphold accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility in their coverage of political activities.

 

The NBC directed licensed broadcasters to ensure fair and balanced coverage of political parties and candidates through proper editorial verification, warning against presenting unverified political claims, allegations, statistics or assertions as facts.

 

The commission also urged presenters, anchors, reporters, producers and programme hosts to remain objective, avoid harassing guests and ensure that opposing views are not suppressed.

 

It stressed that broadcasters remain responsible for materials introduced by guests, callers and panellists during live or interactive programmes.

 

The NBC said it would monitor the allocation of political airtime and directed broadcasters to maintain accurate records of the dates, programmes and duration of airtime allocated to political parties and candidates.

 

It also reminded broadcasters to clearly distinguish political advertising from news, editorial content, analysis and independent programming, noting that political advertisements must comply with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

 

The commission warned against using broadcast, digital and social media platforms to spread inflammatory or divisive political content capable of inciting hatred or violence.

 

It further cautioned broadcasters against speculating on election results obtained from polling units or unofficial sources, stressing that results and declarations of winners should only be broadcast as announced by duly authorised electoral officers.

 

The NBC also reminded broadcasters of the statutory campaign silence period, directing that partisan political broadcasts, campaigns, jingles and announcements must stop at least 24 hours before polling day.

 

The commission said its monitoring of political broadcasts would be intensified throughout the electioneering period, covering news bulletins, current affairs programmes, political debates, phone-in programmes, interviews, commentaries, sponsored programmes, live broadcasts and political advertisements.

 

Particular attention, it said, would be given to airtime allocation, fairness and balance, inflammatory content, misinformation, hate speech, incitement, presenter conduct and compliance with the campaign silence period.