Broadcast stations must stop adverts 24 hours to elections

20^TH February, 2023

All Broadcast Stations

Dear Sir/Madam

COUNT DOWN TO 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS: A REMINDER 

The National Broadcasting Commission wishes to underscore the enormous responsibility trust on Broadcastersat this period and therefore 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. 

Consequently, the Commission enjoins broadcasters to note, for full compliance, the following sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code;

5.3.3(j) ​The Broadcaster shall ensure that the broadcast of a partisan political campaign, jingle, announcement and any form of partisan party identification or symbol ends not later than twenty-four hours before polling day.

5.3.4​In exceptional circumstances, a government functionary may perform a service relating to his office within 24hour campaign restriction period, provided there is no coloration of partisanship by the official or the broadcaster;

7.7.5 ​The Broadcaster shall not permit any political campaign or advertisement on its facilities 24hours preceding polling day or on polling day.

5.3.3(k)​The Broadcaster shall not use any vote obtained at a polling station or from exit poll, to project or speculate on the chances of a Candidate.

5.3.3(l)​the Broadcaster shall relay Election Results or declaration of the winner only as announced by authorized Electoral Officer for the election.

The Broadcaster is therefore by this letter advised to end all partisan political programmes by 11:59pm on Thursday 23^rd of February 2023. 

Please be advised!

Francisca Aiyetan

Director Broadcast Monitoring

For: Director General