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| Chairman of the 10th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, making his introductory remarks before the presentation of the keynote address themed, “2027 Elections: Trust, Transparency and Shared Responsibilities.” on day two of the GOCOP Conference 2026 held on Thursday, October 8th, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. |
A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has called on the Nigerian media to seek judicial clarification on the extent of its constitutional right to obtain and disseminate election information.
Agbakoba, who chaired the 10th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), said the media should test in court whether journalists can report election results despite the Electoral Act vesting the authority to declare results in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He spoke at the conference, held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme, “2027 Elections: Trust, Transparency and Shared Responsibilities.”
According to Agbakoba, while the Electoral Act empowers INEC and its authorised officials to announce election results at various levels, Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the press the right to receive and disseminate information.
He said the apparent conflict between the two legal provisions required judicial interpretation, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Agbakoba urged GOCOP and the wider media community to initiate a legal test case to determine the limits of press freedom in election reporting.
He cited recent legal action by some American media organisations seeking to protect access to the White House as an example of how the press could use the courts to defend its constitutional role.
The senior lawyer’s call came as stakeholders at the conference discussed the media’s responsibility in promoting credible, transparent and peaceful elections in 2027.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who also spoke at the event, through a representative, cautioned online publishers against sensational, unverified and misleading election reports, stressing that only authorised returning officers could officially declare election results.
Agbakoba however argued that “Media will not be gagged. The Rule of Law won in the US case, so test it in Nigeria.”
He also pointed to exit polls and the media’s role in reporting the choices made by voters, arguing that the media should be able to report election-related information within the limits of the law.
Agbakoba said every Nigerian should regard himself or herself as a shareholder in “Nigeria PLC”, with the 2027 general elections serving as an annual general meeting in which citizens would assess the direction of the country.
He also said economic hardship was likely to be a major issue in the 2027 elections, citing the sharp increase in the cost of essential medicines as an example of the pressure facing Nigerians.
In his welcome address, GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, mni, said the conference came at an important time as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Nmodu said the theme reflected GOCOP’s contribution to democratic development and the need for trust in institutions, transparency in the electoral process and shared responsibility for credible elections.
“As the country moves towards another general election, there is a need for trust in institutions, transparency in the electoral process, and a clear understanding that responsibility for credible elections does not belong to one institution or one group alone.”
He said journalists had a responsibility to scrutinise both the government and the opposition and to report facts fairly and accurately.
“We must report facts and be fair and balanced. Credible journalism is one of the ways we can contribute to a healthy democratic process.
“I also call on government to do more to tackle insecurity, enhance peace, and support economic activity. Better security will give our people greater opportunity to work, invest, and improve their lives.”
In a goodwill message, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, urged the media to remain objective and focused on facts in its coverage of the electoral process.
He said the media had an important role to play in informing Nigerians about the conduct of elections and used the opportunity to highlight the achievements of his administration in Imo State, including its plans to develop the state as a digital and industrialised economy.
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