GOCOP wants court clarity on election laws before 2027 polls

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) is asking for a court ruling on the Electoral Act 2026 and the Nigerian constitution. They want clarity on media coverage of exit polls, election projections, and independent result counts as the 2027 general elections approach.

GOCOP made this request in a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday. This came after their 10th annual conference, which took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, on October 7 and 8.

The guild urged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), GOCOP, and other media groups to seek an interpretation of Section 60 of the Electoral Act 2026. They also want clarity on Section 39 of the Nigerian constitution, which covers freedom of expression and the right to share and receive information.

GOCOP believes that a court ruling will clarify how these laws apply to reporting on elections. This includes publishing exit polls, projections, and independent tallies. "The media cannot be gagged and will report what happens, including any malpractice," the statement said.

The guild also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to share timely updates about election preparations. This includes logistics, technology tests, and how results will be managed.

They suggested a digital platform where editors can check reports of incidents at polling units. This includes security issues and technical problems before any report is published. The guild welcomed a three-point agreement proposed by INEC on fact-checking, self-regulation, and voter education.

GOCOP’s executive council plans to work with INEC on these proposals while keeping editorial independence. They also urged INEC to work with relevant authorities to ensure that electoral offenders are prosecuted and that the outcomes are made known to the public.

Regarding voter education, the guild wants electoral laws, regulations, and guidelines translated into major Nigerian languages. They also called for materials that are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes braille ballot guides, tactile posters, and sign-language support.

They suggested broadcasting in local languages and holding town hall meetings to reach voters in rural and riverine areas. The guild wants INEC to provide clear information on where to collect Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), including opening hours and requirements.

This newspaper reported that PVC collection was set to start on October 9. GOCOP warned that fake news, unverified leaks, and deepfakes could harm trust in the 2027 elections. This could raise tensions and discourage people from voting.

They urged their members to verify election-related information before publishing. They also warned against sharing unverified polling-unit results, altered result sheets, and inflammatory claims. "Unverified polling-unit results, altered result sheets, and inflammatory speculations have no place on GOCOP platforms," the statement said.

The guild cautioned publishers not to prioritize speed over accuracy. They should avoid using clickbait or letting personal interests influence election coverage. Reports of operational delays should be backed by verified information and context, not presented as proof of electoral failure without evidence.

The conference also urged the National Assembly to pass laws to improve women's participation and representation in elections. They called on political parties to be more transparent in candidate selection and to address consensus arrangements that exclude women.

On the economy, GOCOP said the cost of living should be a key topic during campaigns. They want clearer explanations about fuel subsidy policies and domestic crude pricing. Conflicting information has left many Nigerians confused about candidates’ views.

The statement also mentioned Executive Order 9 on NNPC Limited and discussions about domestic crude pricing. The guild noted that technology alone cannot ensure credible elections without public trust in electoral institutions.

They cited a survey presented at the conference, which said only 38 percent of Nigerians trust the credibility of elections. But the statement did not identify the survey or explain how it was conducted.

GOCOP added that INEC has shared plans for structural, technological, and logistical preparations for the elections. This includes improving result integrity systems and using artificial intelligence for data audits with partners like Google and Microsoft.

On election security, the guild noted that the Nigeria Police Force reported relatively peaceful polls since February 2026, with no shootings. They credited this to intelligence-led operations. GOCOP urged the police and security agencies to remain professional, fair, and legal during the elections.

The guild also encouraged eligible voters to collect their PVCs, vote, and hold elected officials accountable. They advised Nigerians to verify claims before sharing them.

Referring to Botswana’s 2024 elections, where the ruling party lost after 58 years, GOCOP said strong electoral institutions can support peaceful political change. The conference, themed "2027 Elections: Trust, Transparency and Shared Responsibilities," was chaired by Olisa Agbakoba, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan gave the keynote speech.