…Asks FG, Agencies To Explain Fuel Subsidy, Crude Pricing To Enable Voters Make Informed Choices
THE GUILD of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, the media and Nigerian citizens to take concrete steps to restore public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
GOCOP said trust would be the decisive factor in the credibility of the elections, stressing that it must be earned through “consistent, verifiable and transparent execution” rather than assumed or demanded.
GOCOP made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 10th Annual Conference held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, under the theme: “2027 Elections: Trust, Transparency and Shared Responsibilities.”
The communiqué was signed by GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, mni, and General Secretary, Sufuyan Ojeifo.
The conference, chaired by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, featured a keynote address by the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN.
The Guild also urged INEC to immediately activate its proposed Digital Media Fact-Verification Channel to enable editors to verify reports about incidents at polling units, security developments and technical issues before publication.
It further called on the commission to provide timely and verifiable information on election logistics, technology tests and result-management processes at every stage of the electoral cycle.
According to the communiqué, the conference observed that public confidence in Nigeria’s elections remained low, citing a survey presented at the event which indicated that only 38 per cent of Nigerians believed in the credibility of elections.
It warned that technological improvements alone could not resolve the trust deficit, arguing that “technology cannot substitute for institutional credibility.”
The Guild noted that the nationwide collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which commenced on October 9, had effectively marked the beginning of the countdown to the 2027 elections.
It urged Nigerians to collect their PVCs, participate in the elections and define clearly what they expect from those seeking elective office.
The conference also commended INEC for outlining structural, technological and logistical reforms, including upgraded result-integrity systems, artificial intelligence-assisted data auditing and multi-layered cyber defences developed with technology partners, including Google and Microsoft.
It also noted the commission’s efforts to broaden voter education through women- and youth-focused programmes, braille ballot guides, tactile posters, sign-language support for persons with disabilities, and local-language broadcasts and town-hall meetings targeting rural and riverine communities.
However, GOCOP called for electoral laws, regulations and voter guidelines to be translated into major Nigerian languages, noting that the continued publication of electoral laws and guidelines largely in English excludes many citizens in a country with about 250 ethnic groups.
The Guild declared that the media could either make or mar the 2027 elections and therefore had a national obligation to uphold objectivity.
It said journalists must report events accurately, fairly and independently, including electoral malpractice, while recognising that the right to disseminate information comes with an obligation to verify it.
GOCOP specifically identified fake news, unverified leaks, synthetic media and AI-generated deepfakes as major threats to the elections, warning that such information could inflame social divisions, discourage voter participation and cause damage that subsequent retractions might not repair.
The Guild directed its 127-member publications to publish only verified election information and reject unverified polling-unit results, altered result sheets and inflammatory speculation.
It also resolved that members should prioritise accuracy over speed, reject clickbait and shield election reporting from proprietorial and partisan interests.
Where operational delays occur during the elections, publishers were advised to report them with context and official verification rather than presenting them as evidence of systemic collapse.
The Guild also endorsed a three-point pact proposed by INEC on fact-verification, editorial self-regulation and voter education, while stressing that engagement with the commission would not compromise editorial independence.
The conference also raised concerns over the unresolved legal position on media reporting of election results, noting that Section 60 of the Electoral Act 2026 governs the announcement of results by INEC, while Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the freedom to receive and impart information.
The Guild said it remained unclear how the provisions apply to exit polls, projections and independently compiled election tallies, noting that the issue had yet to receive judicial determination.
It consequently called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists, GOCOP and other media organisations to seek judicial interpretation of the relevant provisions to establish what the media may lawfully report during elections.
The conference expressed concern over weak accountability for electoral offences, observing that the infrequent prosecution of offenders could encourage impunity.
It urged INEC to work with prosecuting authorities to ensure electoral offenders are prosecuted and that the outcomes of such cases are made public.
The Guild also raised concern over the declining prospects for women’s representation, describing women’s inclusion in the electoral process as largely “performative.”
It blamed opaque consensus arrangements within political parties for systematically excluding women and urged the National Assembly to enact legislation designed to increase women’s participation and representation in elections.
Political parties were similarly urged to conduct open and transparent candidate-selection processes and end arrangements that disadvantage women.
Cost of Living, Fuel Subsidy Dominate Concerns
The conference identified cost of living as the leading issue likely to influence voters in 2027. It, however, observed that conflicting narratives surrounding fuel subsidy removal had left voters uncertain about the positions of political actors.
The Guild called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide a clear and authoritative explanation of fuel subsidy policy and domestic crude pricing to enable voters to make informed choices.
It also referred to Executive Order 9 on NNPC Limited and the argument that Nigerian crude should be available to Nigerians at a lower cost than to external buyers.
Political parties and candidates were urged to campaign on substantive issues, particularly the cost of living, and to avoid disinformation and incitement.
On election security, the conference noted reported improvements in the conduct of elections, with the Nigeria Police Force attributing relatively peaceful polls since February 2026 to intelligence-led operations.
GOCOP urged the Police and other security agencies to sustain lawful, intelligence-led and non-partisan operations throughout the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Guild also cited Botswana’s 2024 transfer of power, in which the Botswana Democratic Party handed over government after 58 years, as an example of what trusted democratic institutions can make possible in Africa.
It described elections as “national infrastructure” and said Nigeria’s democratic institutions must be strong enough to facilitate credible elections and peaceful transfers of power.
Citizens urged to take responsibility
The conference stressed that Nigerian citizens were not merely voters but “shareholders” in the country, even as it expressed concern that many citizens abstain from voting and later protest electoral outcomes.
It urged Nigerians to collect their PVCs, vote and hold institutions and public officials accountable throughout the electoral cycle. Citizens were also advised to verify information before sharing it, particularly as the proliferation of AI-generated content and other forms of information disorder increases the risk of manipulation during elections.
In its concluding declaration, GOCOP said credible elections in 2027 would require shared responsibility among INEC, security agencies, political actors, the media and citizens.
The Guild pledged that its 127-member publications would provide verified, fair and responsible coverage before, during and after the elections.
