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Editors warn harassment, prosecution threaten press freedom; demand level playing field for 2027 elections

By Chukwudi Abiandu

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has delivered a stern warning to security agencies over what it described as the growing harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists, saying the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws against legitimate journalism poses a serious threat to press freedom and democracy.

The Guild’s warning came as it demanded a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, putting the Federal Government, state governments and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on notice against any action capable of tilting the electoral field in favour of the ruling party or any political interest.

The NGE made the demands in a strongly worded communiqué issued at the end of its Standing Committee meeting 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 alleged increasing violations of press freedom through the harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies.

Of particular concern to the Guild is the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws in ways it said could restrict legitimate journalistic practice.

The NGE reminded governments and the public that press freedom is not a favour granted to journalists but a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.

It consequently urged governments at all levels and members of the public to abandon threats, intimidation and violence against journalists and media organisations and embrace constructive engagement with the media.

The Guild further directed aggrieved individuals and organisations to seek redress 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).

The warning assumes added significance as the country moves deeper into the 2027 election cycle, when political power, government accountability and the media’s watchdog role are expected to come under intense scrutiny.

NGE challenges INEC over 2027 polls

The editors also fired a warning shot at INEC and other agencies involved in preparations for the 2027 elections, demanding equal treatment for all political parties and candidates.

The Guild called on the Federal and state governments to provide an environment in which political parties and their candidates can campaign freely and fairly.

It specifically demanded that lawful outdoor displays of party symbols and campaign slogans be allowed, while insisting that both ruling and opposition parties must be treated without bias or discrimination.

The NGE said a genuinely level playing field was indispensable to public confidence, trust and electoral integrity.

The Guild’s position effectively places the electoral umpire and other state institutions on notice that perceived manipulation, selective enforcement or unequal treatment of political parties could damage confidence in the 2027 electoral process.

The editors also warned politicians against turning the election campaign into a battlefield of inflammatory rhetoric.

They urged political parties and candidates to concentrate on issues, shun inflammatory language and comply strictly with the rules governing political campaigns.

Editors put media on notice

While defending press freedom, the NGE also acknowledged the responsibility of journalists to maintain professional standards.

It urged the media to uphold the highest ethical standards in reporting, insisting that fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality must guide coverage.

The position underscores the Guild’s argument that the defence of press freedom must go hand in hand with responsible journalism.

Federal roads: NGE sounds alarm

On the economy, the Guild urged the Federal Government to remain steadfast in implementing its reforms but insisted that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians must remain at the centre of its policies.

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

They therefore demanded renewed efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of federal roads to facilitate the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities.

Security: Editors commend agencies, demand more

The NGE commended security agencies for the successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.

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

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

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