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 Ikeja, Lagos.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba has challenged members of the media in Nigeria to seek legal interpretation of its constitutional right to obtain and disseminate election results during the forthcoming 2027 elections in Nigeria.
Agbakoba, who chaired the 10th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), made the call during his speech at the conference with the theme, “2027 Elections: Trust, Transparency and Shared Responsibilities.”
He said that while the Electoral Act gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the authority to announce election results at different levels, Section 39 of the Constitution gives the press the right to obtain and disseminate information.
Agbakoba urged GOCOP and the wider media community to seek judicial clarification on the matter, drawing a comparison with recent legal action by some American media organisations over access to the White House.
“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.”
