The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has warned broadcasters, online publishers, bloggers and other media practitioners against spreading misinformation, hate speech and inflammatory content as campaigns for Nigeria’s 2027 elections get underway.
Presidential and National Assembly campaigns officially began on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
In a statement issued by Moses Jolayemi, Technical Adviser to NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu, the Commission said the commencement of political campaigns places greater responsibility on information disseminators to uphold accuracy, fairness and professionalism.
The NBC urged radio and television stations to ensure fair, balanced and equitable political coverage, warning them against using their platforms to promote or suppress particular parties, candidates or viewpoints.
It also cautioned broadcasters against presenting unverified allegations, statistics or claims as facts.
“Allegations involving corruption, criminality, electoral manipulation, misconduct and other issues capable of damaging the reputation of individuals or institutions must be subjected to appropriate editorial verification before being broadcast,” the Commission said.
The NBC further reminded broadcasters that individuals or organisations misrepresented in reports must be given the right of reply.
Presenters and anchors were also warned against presenting personal political opinions as facts, intimidating guests or suppressing opposing views. The Commission stressed that broadcasters remain responsible for content aired by guests, callers and panellists during live programmes.
On political advertising, the NBC directed broadcasters to maintain accurate records of airtime allocated to political parties and candidates, including the dates, programmes and duration involved.
It said equal opportunity must extend beyond the sale of airtime, with editorial practices also required to avoid giving any party or candidate an unfair advantage.
Political advertisements, the Commission added, must be clearly distinguished from news and editorial content and comply with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code on truth, decency and good taste.
The NBC expressed particular concern about the use of broadcast and digital platforms to circulate divisive content capable of inciting violence or worsening ethnic, religious and political tensions.
“The political season must not become an avenue for mobilising Nigerians against one another,” it warned.
The Commission also barred broadcasters and online publishers from announcing election results or projections based on unofficial sources, including polling units and exit polls.
According to the NBC, only results announced by duly authorised officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be broadcast.
It also reminded broadcasters of the statutory campaign silence period, which requires partisan broadcasts, jingles and announcements to stop 24 hours before polling day.
The Commission said its monitoring of political broadcasts would be intensified throughout the election period, covering advertisements, news reports, debates, phone-in programmes, interviews, sponsored programmes and live broadcasts.
The monitoring will focus on airtime allocation, balance, hate speech, misinformation and compliance with the campaign silence rule.
The NBC also called on online publishers, bloggers and social media commentators to exercise responsibility, stressing that the credibility of the electoral process depends heavily on the quality of information available to voters.
“Our objective is not to restrict legitimate political expression or robust debate but to ensure that Nigeria’s information environment remains conducive to peaceful democratic participation,” the Commission said.
The NBC urged media practitioners and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, Electoral Act 2026 and relevant INEC guidelines.
According to INEC’s timetable, campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections began on August 19, while campaigns for governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled to begin on September 9, 2026.
The Commission urged media practitioners to treat election coverage as a public responsibility rather than merely a commercial opportunity.
The NBC said responsible journalism, credible information and fair political discourse would be critical to protecting national cohesion and helping Nigerians make informed choices at the polls.
