*Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Chairman, 10th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, urges the media to test in court the extent of its constitutional right to obtain and disseminate information during elections in line with Section 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended)
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Chairman of the 10th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), has urged the media to test in court the extent of its constitutional right to obtain and disseminate information during elections.
Agbakoba, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), stated this at the GOCOP Conference Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Radisson Blu Hotel, in Ikeja, Lagos State capital.
The theme of this year’s GOCOP Conference was “2027 Elections: Trust, Transparency and Shared Responsibilities”.
He said that while the Nigeria Electoral Act gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) authority to “announce election results” at different levels, Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), also gives the press the “right to obtain and disseminate information.”
Agbakoba to Media: Seek judicial clarification on constitutional right to obtain, disseminate information during elections
Agbakoba also urged GOCOP and the wider media community in the country to seek judicial clarification on the matter, drawing a comparison with recent legal action by some American media organisations, including the CNN, over access to the White House, in Washington, D.C., United States (US).
He stated: “Media will not be gagged. The Rule of Law won in the US case; so test it in Nigeria.”
Agbakoba as well referred to exit polls, and the media’s role in reporting the choices made by voters.
He argued that the media should be able to report election-related information within the limits of the law in Nigeria.
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 their country.
On current economic hardship
The legal luminary said economic hardship was likely to be a major issue in the 2027 elections.
He cited the sharp increases in costs of essential medicines as an example of the pressure facing Nigerian consumers.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Danlami Nmodu, mni, President of GOCOP, had 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.
He also noted: “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.”
The President of GOCOP acknowledged that journalists have a responsibility to scrutinise both the government and the opposition, and to report facts fairly and accurately.
He further stated: “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.”
In his goodwill message on the occasion, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, represented by Declan Emelumba, Honourable Commissioner for Information, urged the media to remain objective, and focused on facts in its coverage of the electoral process in the West African country.
According to him, the media has an important role to play in informing Nigerians about the conduct of elections.
He took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of his administration in Imo State, including its plans to develop the state as a digital and industrialised economy.