2027: Editors Warn Security Agencies Against Harassing, Prosecuting Journalists

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has warned security agencies against the increasing harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists, saying such actions threaten press freedom and could undermine legitimate journalism in the country.

The Guild also called on the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NGE made the demands in a 10-point communiqué issued at the end of its Standing Committee meeting held in Kano on Friday.

The communiqué, signed by the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, expressed particular concern over the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws in ways that could restrict legitimate journalistic practice.

The editors stressed that freedom of the press remained a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance, urging governments at all levels and members of the public to respect journalists and media organisations.

The Guild called for constructive engagement with the media, advising aggrieved individuals and organisations to channel complaints through the Media Ombudsman established jointly by the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), NGE, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

It warned against resorting to threats, intimidation or violence against journalists and media organisations.

In the 2027 general elections, the editors urged the Federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment for all political parties and their candidates to campaign freely and fairly.

The Guild specifically called for the lawful outdoor display of party symbols and the airing of campaign slogans, stressing that political parties should be allowed to canvass for votes without unnecessary restrictions.

It also urged INEC and other agencies involved in election preparations to treat all political parties, including ruling and opposition parties, fairly and without discrimination.

According to the Guild, a level playing field is essential to building public confidence, strengthening trust and safeguarding electoral integrity.

The editors further urged politicians and political parties to focus their campaigns on issues, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and adhere strictly to the rules governing political campaigns as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

The NGE equally charged the media to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards in their reportage, with fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality guiding their coverage.

On the economy, the Guild called on the Federal Government to remain steadfast in implementing its reforms while ensuring that the welfare and well-being of Nigerians remain at the centre of its policies and actions.

The editors also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, saying the situation had imposed severe hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses.

They urged the Federal Government to redouble efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of federal roads to facilitate the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities.

The Guild commended Nigeria’s security agencies for what it described as successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.

It, however, called for sustained and coordinated efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and national unity.

The Standing Committee also expressed appreciation to Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as the government and people of Kano State, for providing an enabling environment for the meeting and for their hospitality.

The NGE reaffirmed that good governance, the welfare of the people, peace, progress and respect for democratic values remained cardinal pillars of a stable and prosperous society.