In view of the upcoming governorship election in Edo State on Saturday, September 19, 2020, the National Broadcasting Commission wishes to again bring 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.
We draw 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.
(This is also as contained in the Electoral Act of the Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria).
The Commission, along with stakeholders, have been working towards a free and fair governorship election in Edo State and enjoins Broadcasters to continue to perform their duties professionally in order to bring about a successful democratic process.
Nevertheless, the Commission uses this opportunity to warn all broadcasters to adhere to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, Regulations and other Extant Laws, as it WILL NOT hesitate to sanction any Broadcaster that contravenes the above requirements.
