By Chimezie Godfrey
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 could undermine press freedom and legitimate journalistic practice.
The Guild also demanded a level playing field for all political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the Federal Government, state governments and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that no party is discriminated against in the electoral process.
The position of the editors was contained in a communiqué signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, at the end of the Guild’s Standing Committee meeting held in Kano on Friday, September 11, 2026.
The Guild expressed particular concern over what it described as increasing violations of press freedom through the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws in ways that could undermine legitimate journalism.
According to the editors, freedom of the press remained a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance, insisting that governments at all levels and members of the public should respect journalists and media organisations rather than resort to threats, intimidation or violence.
“Governments at all levels and members of the public should uphold and respect freedom of the press as a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance,” the Guild said.
The editors urged individuals and organisations aggrieved by media reports or publications 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), rather than attacking journalists or media organisations.
On the 2027 elections, the Guild urged the Federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment for all political parties and their candidates to campaign freely and fairly, including the lawful outdoor display of party symbols and airing of campaign slogans.
It also charged INEC and all other agencies involved in preparations for the elections to ensure a level playing field for all parties, including ruling and opposition parties, without bias or discrimination.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all other agencies involved in preparations for the 2027 general election should ensure a level playing field for all political parties, including the ruling and opposition parties, without bias or discrimination,” the Guild said.
The editors said fairness in the electoral process was essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity, while urging politicians and political parties to focus their campaigns on issues, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and adhere strictly to the rules governing political campaigns.
The Guild also challenged the media to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in their reportage, with fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality guiding their coverage.
On the economy, the editors called on the Federal Government to remain steadfast in implementing its reforms while ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians remained at the centre of its policies and actions.
The Guild expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, saying the situation had imposed enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses.
“We are concerned about the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, which has imposed enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses,” the editors said.
The Guild therefore urged the Federal Government to redouble its efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of federal roads to facilitate the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities.
The NGE also commended Nigeria’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 to achieve lasting peace, security and national unity.
“We commend the nation’s security agencies for the successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality. We call for sustained and coordinated efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and national unity,” the Guild said.
The editors expressed appreciation to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as the government and people of Kano State, for providing an enabling environment for the Standing Committee meeting and for their warm hospitality.
The Guild reaffirmed that good governance, the welfare of the people, peace, progress and respect for democratic values remained cardinal pillars of a stable and prosperous society.