NBC CAUTIONS MEDIA OUTLETS AGAINST DISCLOSING ELECTION RESULTS BEFORE INEC

All broadcast media have been cautioned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to refrain from declaring election results prior to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The goal, according to Francisca Aiyetan, Director of Broadcast Monitoring for NBC, was to ensure that the media supports a trustworthy electoral process on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

Also, media organizations should refrain from evaluating a candidate’s prospects based on votes cast at a polling place, according to NBC.

According to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, the commission ordered all broadcast media to stop airing any partisan political programming and commercials by Thursday.

The National Broadcasting Commission calls for strict adherence to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Electoral Act in order to ensure sane airwave that will enable a free, fair, credible, and transparent election. “The National Broadcasting Commission wishes to underscore the enormous responsibility trust on broadcasters at this period,” it states.

The Nigeria Broadcasting Code contains the following sections, which the commission strongly advises broadcasters to be aware of in order to comply with. The broadcaster shall make sure that the broadcast of any partisan political campaign, jingle, announcement, or other form of partisan party identification or symbol ends no later than twenty-four hours before election day.

The only exception, according to the statement, is when a government official may carry out an official duty within the 24-hour campaign restriction period, providing that neither the official nor the broadcaster exhibits partisan bias.

The statement adds, “The broadcaster shall not authorize any political campaign or advertisement on its facilities 24 hours prior to election day or on election day.”

“The broadcaster shall not project or speculate on a candidate’s chances using any vote acquired at a polling place or from an exit poll.

“Media house shall only report election results or the winner’s declaration as made public by an authorized electoral officer.

This letter advises the broadcaster to stop all partisan political programming by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Please take note!

He also exhorted them to work to strengthen the democracy in the nation.