The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged the government to implement constitutional and electoral reforms, ahead of the 2027 general elections. The proposed reforms include a requirement that presidential candidates secure at least 50 per cent of votes cast to be declared winners. This, the editors believe, will help to restore public confidence in the electoral process. The NGE also wants electoral disputes to be resolved before the swearing-in of declared winners. These resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC 2026) in Enugu.
The conference, attended by over 500 editors, publishers, and senior media practitioners, examined the challenges facing Nigeria's electoral democracy. The theme of the conference was "The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive." The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, chaired the conference, while Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, delivered the keynote address. Vice President Kashim Shettima participated virtually as Special Guest of Honour, while Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, was the Chief Host.
The NGE attributed voter apathy to several factors, including poor governance, electoral violence and intimidation, administrative shortcomings, and declining public confidence. The editors also expressed concerns over the relationship between electoral outcomes and subsequent judicial decisions. They noted that judicial interventions in some electoral disputes had created perceptions that court decisions could displace outcomes recorded at the ballot box. However, the NGE stressed the need to respect judicial independence.
The Guild advocated for an electoral adjudication system that is "timely, transparent, predictable and impartial." They called for electoral disputes to be resolved within appropriate timelines and, preferably, before the swearing-in of declared winners. This, they believe, will help to prevent the manipulation of electoral outcomes. The editors also recommended a review of the appointment process for the Chairman, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The NGE further suggested a review of limitations preventing ordinary voters from challenging electoral outcomes. They believe that this will help to promote electoral accountability and transparency. The proposed reforms aim to strengthen the independence and credibility of electoral institutions. The editors also examined the growing threat posed by artificial intelligence, misinformation, and disinformation to Nigeria's electoral democracy.
According to the editors, although the ballot remains the principal instrument through which citizens exercise their sovereign will, its value depends on credible information, confidence in the electoral process, and the assurance that votes will be properly counted and respected. The NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, signed the communiqué issued at the end of the conference.
The proposed reforms have been suggested ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the country seeks to address the challenges facing its electoral democracy. The NGE's recommendations aim to promote electoral transparency, accountability, and credibility.
Key points
- The Nigerian Guild of Editors is advocating for a 50 per cent presidential threshold.
- The proposed reforms aim to strengthen the independence and credibility of electoral institutions.
- The NGE wants electoral disputes to be resolved before the swearing-in of declared winners.
