NGE Raises Alarm Over Journalists’ Harassment, Demands Fair 2027 Elections

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has raised the alarm over the increasing harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, warning that the trend poses a threat to press freedom and legitimate journalism in Nigeria.

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

The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Guild’s Standing Committee meeting held in Kano on Friday, September 11, 2026, and signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh.

The editors expressed particular concern over the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws in ways that could undermine legitimate journalistic practice.

They urged governments at all levels and members of the public to respect press freedom and engage constructively with the media rather than resorting to threats, intimidation or violence.

The NGE advised 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).

On the 2027 elections, the Guild urged the Federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment for political parties and their candidates to campaign freely and fairly, including the lawful display of party symbols and airing of campaign slogans.

It also charged INEC and other agencies involved in the electoral process to treat all political parties, including ruling and opposition parties, fairly and without discrimination, stressing that a level playing field was critical to public confidence, trust and electoral integrity.

The editors further urged politicians and political parties to focus their campaigns on issues, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and comply strictly with the rules governing political campaigns.

On the economy, the NGE called on the Federal Government to remain committed to its ongoing reforms while ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians remained at the centre of its policies.

The Guild expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads nationwide, saying the situation had placed enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses.

It therefore urged the Federal Government to intensify the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of federal roads to facilitate the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities.

The NGE also commended security agencies for their successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality, but called for sustained and coordinated efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and national unity.

The Guild expressed appreciation to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the government and people of the state for providing an enabling environment for its Standing Committee meeting and for their hospitality.

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