NGE Raises Alarm Over Journalist Harassment, Demands Fairness Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Al-Amin Ciroma 

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has raised concerns over the increasing harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, warning that such actions could undermine press freedom and legitimate journalistic practice.

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 National Lens reports that the positions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NGE Standing Committee meeting held in Kano, Kano State, on Friday, September 11, 2026, and signed by the Guild’s 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 restrict legitimate journalism, stressing that freedom of the press remains a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.

The Guild 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 against journalists and media organisations.

Our correspondent gathered that NGE advised individuals and organisations with grievances against the media to channel their 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 general elections, the NGE urged the Federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment for all political parties and their candidates to conduct their campaigns freely and fairly.

It specifically called on authorities to allow the lawful outdoor display of party symbols and airing of campaign slogans, while urging INEC and other agencies involved in preparations for the elections to ensure that all parties, including ruling and opposition parties, are treated fairly and without discrimination.

The Guild said a level playing field would be essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity, while charging politicians and political parties to focus their campaigns on issues, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and adhere strictly to the rules governing political campaigns.

The editors also urged the media to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in their reportage, with fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality guiding coverage of political and other national issues.

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

It expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, noting that the situation had imposed enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses.

The NGE therefore urged the Federal Government to redouble its efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of roads to facilitate the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities.

The Guild commended the nation’s security agencies for the successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality, but called for sustained and coordinated efforts towards achieving lasting peace, security and national unity.

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

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