2027: NBC warns broadcasters, online publishers, others against disinformation

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a warning to broadcasters, online publishers, bloggers, and other participants in Nigeria's growing information landscape against disseminating misinformation, hate speech, inflammatory material, and other content that could undermine peaceful elections. This warning comes as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections.

Political campaigns for the presidency and national assembly positions begin on August 19, 2026, while those for governorship and state houses of assembly are set for September 9, 2026.

Moses Jolayemi, Technical Adviser to NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu, emphasized the influential role broadcasters have in shaping public opinion and the choices citizens make during elections. He urged media outlets to maintain accuracy, fairness, professionalism, and responsibility in their reporting. The commission called for balanced coverage of all political campaigns through proper editorial verification, prohibiting the promotion or suppression of political parties, candidates, or viewpoints. They also cautioned against presenting unverified claims, statistics, or assertions as facts.

NBC advised presenters, anchors, reporters, producers, and hosts to remain objective and avoid harassment, suppression of opposing viewpoints, or favoritism towards specific political interests. The responsibility for content broadcast lies with the broadcaster, including material introduced by guests, callers, and panelists during live or interactive programs.

The commission will closely monitor political airtime allocations and ensure broadcasters maintain accurate records of the dates, programs, and durations allocated to political content.

The broadcasting authority cautioned against using the election season for hate or violence incitement and against spreading divisive political content on broadcast, digital, and social platforms. They warned against making speculations on election results obtained from polling units and unofficial sources. Only results declared by authorized electoral officers should be broadcast.

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

The commission assured intensified monitoring of political broadcasts throughout the electioneering period, covering not only paid political advertisements but also news bulletins, current affairs programs, political debates, phone-in programs, interviews, commentaries, sponsored programs, live broadcasts, and other content disseminating political material.

NBC will pay particular attention to airtime allocation patterns, fairness and balance, inflammatory content, misinformation, hate speech, presenter conduct, political advertising, and compliance with the campaign silence period.