Connect with us

News

INEC Urges Broadcasters to Uphold Fairness Ahead of 2027 Elections

Published

on

 

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.”

Advert

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.

News

JAMB Arrests Two, Parent over Result Falsification

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced the arrest of two candidates and a parent for falsifying 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results using Artificial Intelligence and other electronic tools.

The disclosure came as the board released scores for 632,788 candidates who sat the examination on Thursday, April 16.

Advert

JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, in a statement, said the suspects were apprehended for manipulating official SMS result notifications to fabricate or alter scores with the intent to deceive others, including parents and guardians.

“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means,” the statement read.

Benjamin warned that such conduct constituted a serious criminal offence and that the board would pursue all culpable persons to the full extent of the law.

He also cautioned candidates against tampering with result messages from JAMB’s official SMS platforms, 55019 and 66019.

Continue Reading

News

Group asks Governor Yusuf to appoint Ganduje’s daughter as Kano Deputy Governor

Published

on

 

 

A group has called on the Governor of Kano State to appoint the daughter of former Governor of Kano, Dr. Asiya Balaraba Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as Deputy Governor.

The group, known as Haɗin Kan Jam’iyyar APC ‘Yan Dangole from Kano State, expressed its support for Dr. Asiya Ganduje to become the Deputy Governor of Kano State.

According to the group, Dr. Asiya Ganduje is a woman committed to serving the people, especially the youth, through various programs that have improved their lives.

Advert

They stated that she has demonstrated competence and dedication in politics, contributing to opportunities for youth and women in areas such as education, skills acquisition, and self-reliance.

The group also emphasized that Dr. Asiya Ganduje possesses compassion and vision for improving the lives of citizens, while encouraging women to participate in politics and economic activities.

Furthermore, they praised her cooperative character and loyalty to party principles, saying this has made her a role model for women and youth.

In conclusion, the group declared that her appointment as Deputy Governor would help bring progress, unity, and prosperity to the people of Kano State.

Continue Reading

News

UTME 2026: JAMB to Release Day 1 Exam Results Today Before Midnight

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the results of all candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, will be released on Friday, April 17.

Spokesperson of the board, Fabian Benjamin, announced this in a post on X, noting that an announcement would be made when the results are available.

Advert

“This is to inform all candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16th April 2026, that their results will be released today before midnight. An official announcement will be made to the public and posted on this page as soon as the results are available. Thank you,” he wrote.

Scheduled to run through April 22, the examination is structured into four daily sessions beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m., a framework designed to manage the large volume of candidates and reduce congestion at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.

This year, nearly 2.2 million candidates are participating across 966 accredited centres, each expected to meet operational benchmarks such as functional computer systems, stable internet connectivity and electricity as well as adequately trained personnel.

Continue Reading

Trending