Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Broadcasting Commission has warned broadcasters and presenters against breaching professional broadcasting codes, threatening to sanction them for biased reportage, intimidation of guests, and failure to give fair hearing on their platforms.

In a statement circulated on social media on Friday, the NBC said broadcast platforms are increasingly being deployed in ways that depart from their core obligation to inform the public with accuracy, balance, and professionalism.

“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, the Commission hereby notifies all broadcasters and stakeholders that it will enforce strict and uncompromised compliance with every provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly those relating to fairness, balance, accuracy, hate speech, incitement, and respect for constitutional bodies,” the NBC said.

The NBC warned presenters and threatened to sanction anyone who “expresses personal opinion as fact, bullies or intimidates a guest, denies fair hearing to opposing views, or otherwise compromises neutrality.”

Citing some sections of the broadcasting code, the NBC said, “Broadcast platforms must not be used for hate speech, personal attacks, or content inciting disorder along political lines. The Code places a non-transferable obligation on broadcasters to exercise editorial judgment at all times, including during live programming.”

It added, “Strict compliance with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code will be enforced across all news, current affairs, and political programmes.

“Broadcasters must ensure fairness, balance, accuracy, and right of reply in all content. Inflammatory, divisive, or unsubstantiated broadcasts will attract regulatory sanctions.”