The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has formally requested that the courts interpret Section 60 of the [Electoral Act 2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_Act_(Nigeria)) and Section 39 of the [Nigerian Constitution](https://www.nigeria- law.org/ConstitutionOfTheFederalRepublicOfNigeria.htm) to settle uncertainties surrounding media coverage of exit polls, election projections and independent result tallies ahead of the 2027 general elections. The appeal was made in a communiqué released to Premium Times after GOCOP’s 10th annual conference held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on 7‑8 October.
**What legal clarification is being sought?**
GOCOP urges the Nigeria Union of Journalists, its own members and other media bodies to obtain a judicial reading of the relevant electoral provision together with the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, which includes the right to receive and disseminate information. A clear court ruling, the guild argues, would define how these statutes apply to the publication of exit polls, projections and independent tallies.
**Why is media freedom emphasized?**
“The media cannot be gagged and will report what happens, including any malpractice,” the statement read, underscoring the guild’s stance that journalists must be able to cover electoral incidents without undue restriction.
**How does GOCOP expect INEC to respond?**
The guild called on the [Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)](https://www.inecnigeria.org/) to release timely data on election logistics, technology trials and result‑management processes. It also proposed a digital verification channel where editors could confirm reports of polling‑unit incidents, security updates and technical glitches before publishing.
**What measures are suggested for voter education?**
GOCOP recommended that electoral laws, regulations and guidelines be translated into major Nigerian languages and that accessible materials—such as braille ballot guides, tactile posters and sign‑language support—be produced for persons with disabilities. It further advocated for local‑language broadcasts and town‑hall meetings to reach rural and riverine voters, and for clear information on Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection centres, opening hours and requirements.
**What warnings were issued about misinformation?**
The guild cautioned that fake news, unverified leaks and AI‑generated deepfakes could erode confidence in the 2027 polls, fuel tensions and depress voter turnout. It urged members to verify election‑related information before publishing and to avoid circulating unverified polling‑unit results, altered result sheets or inflammatory speculation, noting that breaches could attract sanctions under GOCOP’s code.
**What broader concerns were raised?**
GOCOP highlighted the need for greater women’s representation in the electoral process, calling on the National Assembly to pass legislation that improves female participation and on political parties to make candidate selection more transparent. It also pressed parties to address the cost‑of‑living issue, demand clearer explanations of fuel‑subsidy policy and domestic crude pricing, and reference Executive Order 9 on NNPC Limited.
**How does the guild view electoral trust?**
Citing a conference‑presented survey that indicated only 38 % of Nigerians trust the credibility of elections, GOCOP stressed that technology alone cannot guarantee credible polls without public confidence in institutions. It noted INEC’s outlined structural, technological and logistical preparations, including AI‑driven data auditing and cyber‑defences developed with partners such as Google and Microsoft.
**What security observations were made?**
The Nigeria Police Force reportedly recorded relatively peaceful polling activities since February 2026, attributing the calm to intelligence‑led operations. GOCOP urged police and other security agencies to remain professional, impartial and law‑abiding throughout the electoral period.
**What call to action was given to voters?**
The guild appealed to eligible voters to collect their PVCs, participate in the elections and hold elected officials accountable, while also verifying claims before sharing them.
**What comparative example was cited?**
GOCOP referenced Botswana’s 2024 election, where the long‑ruling Botswana Democratic Party lost power after 58 years, to illustrate how credible electoral institutions can enable peaceful political change.
The two‑day conference, themed “2027 Elections: Trust, Transparency and Shared Responsibilities,” was chaired by former NBA president Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, with INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan delivering the keynote address. Speakers included Lagos Resident Electoral Commissioner Ayobami Salami, Police Commissioner Abayomi Shogunle, University of Lagos mass‑communication head Tayo Popoola, gender‑agenda advocate Adaora Onyechere Sydney‑Jack and International Press Centre director Lanre Arogundade.
In his welcome remarks, GOCOP President Danladi Nmodu urged politicians to centre citizens’ welfare in campaigns and called on journalists to hold both government and opposition to account through accurate, balanced reporting. The guild affirmed that its 127 member publications remain committed to responsible coverage before, during and after the 2027 elections.