By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission has underscored the critical role of broadcast media in safeguarding electoral integrity, urging broadcasters to uphold fairness, professionalism, and accuracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja, the INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stressed that the management of the airwaves under the Electoral Act 2026 would be decisive in shaping public trust and democratic outcomes.

Amupitan noted that the growing influence of broadcast platforms has made it central to political communication.

He warned, saying, “Your airwaves have become the primary infrastructure of our democracy. If they are clear, the nation sees the truth; if they are clouded by misinformation, the sovereign will of the people is threatened.”

Amupitan highlighted key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly those mandating equal access to media platforms and prohibiting the misuse of state-owned media.

He explained that “state apparatus, including the media, shall not be employed to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election”.

He also emphasised that media time shall be allocated equally among the political parties or candidates at similar hours of the day.

Amupitan further cautioned against inflammatory political messaging, citing the law, which states that “a political campaign or slogan shall not be tainted with abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings.”

The commission also reiterated restrictions on campaign broadcasts close to election day, noting that “any person, print or electronic medium that broadcasts, publishes, advertises or circulates any material within 24 hours immediately preceding or on polling day commits an offence under this Act.”

While acknowledging the reforms introduced by the new law, the INEC chairman raised concerns over enforcement gaps, regulatory overlap, and the growing influence of digital media, warning that these challenges could undermine the effectiveness of the legal framework.

He called for stronger collaboration between regulators and industry players, proposing an alliance involving INEC, BON, security agencies, and the judiciary to ensure compliance and accountability.

With the countdown to the 2027 elections underway, the Commission disclosed that “283 days remain until the Presidential and National Assembly Elections on January 16, 2027,” and “304 days to go” before the governorship and state assembly polls.

Isoko Traditional Rulers Divided Over 250 Million Offer To Confer Chieftaincy Title On Senatorial Aspirant

A Delta South Senatorial candidate in a desperate bid to garner endorsements has made an offer of a whopping N250 million to Isoko Traditional Rulers for conferment of an omnibus Chieftaincy Title on him, insisting that he had never had one.

The offer is however been rebuffed by some of the notable Kings, who view the offer as a “Greek gift”, and vowed to stonewall it, while the other group is desperate to have their hands in the bounty.

A traditional ruler, who crave for anonymity said: “you are offering a hefty N250 million for a chieftaincy title at the eleventh hour when in normal circumstances it should be free based on your performances while in office.

Frantic efforts are being made to get the integrity group of traditional rulers on board to grant the Senatorial Candidate his wish through intensive lobbying.

The traditional rulers are said to be consulting amongst themselves whether to accept the offer.

Isoko is made up of 17 autonomous clans, each with its own authority to confer chieftaincy on deserving sons and daughters.

Last week Saturday, Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South gathered some traditional rulers, politicians and Isoko Development Union (IDU) at his country home, Emede in Isoko South and got an endorsement for a second term come 2027.

The endorsement had not gone down well with the generality of Delta South, especially the people of the two local governments in Isokoland as it has been heavily criticized.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A coalition of chieftains from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by the party’s interim Chairman, David Mark, staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. The demonstration was in response to INEC’s recent withdrawal of recognition from the David Mark-led faction as the legitimate leadership of the party.

Prominent figures in the protest included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, as well as former Ministers Rotimi Amaechi and Rauf Aregbesola.

The leadership crisis within the ADC has deepened in recent times, with the emergence of yet another faction backed by state chairmen of the party. This group claims legitimacy over the two existing factions—one led by Nafiu Bala and the other by David Mark.

Amid this increasingly undemocratic atmosphere, the David Mark-led faction had scheduled its national convention for April 14. However, with today being April 8, questions are being raised over whether the faction can meet that deadline or if the leadership dispute will be resolved before the date.

Meanwhile, INEC has set May 10 as the final deadline for all political parties to submit the names of their flag bearers for the 2027 general election.