The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has warned broadcast stations to strictly abide by its broadcast code, the Electoral Act, as well as other existing laws governing the coverage and reportage of the 2023 general elections.
This warning comes just days before the 18 March governorship and House of Assembly elections.
The Director General of NBC, Balarabe Ilelah gave the warning on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, which had representatives of some media organizations in attendance.
Underscoring the need for broadcast stations to be professional in the discharge of their duties, Ilelah disclosed that 25 stations were sanctioned by NBC in the course of monitoring the 2023 presidential election, while 16 stations have been given a final warning.
The NBC boss revealed that one station was sanctioned for broadcasting the results of the election before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the results which contravened section 5.33 of the NBC code.
He said that 17 stations were sanctioned for broadcasting partisan party content after the prescribed 24-hour stoppage time by NBC, while four stations have been sanctioned for divisive comments.
