NBC Calls on Broadcasters to Report Edo State Governorship Election Professionally

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Dr. Armstrong Idachaba, Ag. DG, NBC
Dr. Armstrong Idachaba, Ag. DG, NBC

Ahead of the Edo State governorship election that took place on September 19, 2020, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigeria’s broadcast industry regulator, called on broadcasters to continue to perform their duties professionally in order to bring about a successful democratic process. The Commission, along with stakeholders, has been working towards a free and fair governorship election in Edo State

The Commission is worked, along with stakeholders, towards a free and fair governorship election in Edo State.

The call was contained in a press release issued on September 14 in which the Commission also warned broadcasters to adhere to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, Regulations and other extant laws, saying it will not hesitate to sanction any broadcaster that contravenes the requirements.

To this end, the NBC brought to the awareness of broadcasters, the essential provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Electoral Act regarding the coverage of elections and announcement of election results.

It drew attention specifically, to Section 5.3.3 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code which stipulates that: The Broadcaster shall;

(j): Ensure that the broadcast of a partisan political campaign, jingle, announcement, and any other form of partisan party identification or symbol ends not later than twenty-four hours before polling day;

(k) Not use any vote obtained at a polling station or from an exit poll, to project or speculate on the chances of a candidate;

(i)  Relay election results or declaration of the winner only as announced by the authorized electoral officer for the election.

The NBC noted that the above is also as contained in the Electoral Act of the Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria (INEC).