The 22nd All Nigeria Editors Congress, held in Enugu from September 23 to 26, focused on the conduct of free and fair elections in Nigeria's democratization process. The event featured various speakers who emphasized the importance of credible and inclusive elections. Cardinal John Onaiyekan, keynote speaker and Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, highlighted the need for the people's votes to count in the election of their representatives, rather than the courts.
Cardinal Onaiyekan expressed concerns about the judiciary's increasing role in determining election outcomes, stating that this has "seriously dented the image of this hallowed institution." He emphasized that the judiciary's primary role is to adjudicate disputes arising from elections, not to impose candidates on the electorate. Onaiyekan also noted that allegations of unjust judgments by some judges in election tribunals are difficult to deny.
Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by Enugu REC Chukwuemeka Chukwu, stressed that the ballot is the instrument of a sovereign choice. He emphasized the importance of a free, rigorous, and courageous media in ensuring that citizens vote in an informed manner. Amupitan noted that the electoral management body and the press are bound in shared constitutional stewardship to protect the ballot and the truth surrounding it.
Afam Osigwe, immediate past president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), observed that Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of election petitions due to the frequent involvement of courts in determining election outcomes. Osigwe's comments highlight the need for stakeholders to work together to ensure that elections are determined by voters, rather than through litigation.
Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, emphasized the importance of protecting the credibility of the ballot to prevent the courts from replacing the citizenry in determining who should represent them. Anaba's comments were echoed by Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, who urged editors to demand issue-focused campaigns from politicians to secure a free and transparent 2027 election.
Professor Patrick Utomi, a professor of political economy, warned that a failing electoral system could have far-reaching consequences, including undermining the stability and survival of the country. Utomi emphasized that weak institutions could ultimately lead to a situation where elections become meaningless, and the transaction costs of engaging in Nigeria's electoral process become too high.
Other notable attendees at the conference included Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Special Duties Tunde Rahman, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, Obi of Onitsha Igwe Alfred Achebe, and host governor of Enugu State Dr Peter Mbah. The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways to ensure free and fair polls in 2027.
Key points
- The 22nd All Nigeria Editors Congress emphasized the importance of credible and inclusive elections in Nigeria's democratization process.
- Stakeholders, including INEC and the judiciary, must work together to ensure that elections are determined by voters, rather than through litigation.
- A free and rigorous media plays a crucial role in ensuring that citizens vote in an informed manner.
