Editors Seek 50% Presidential Threshold, Faster Resolution of Election Disputes Ahead of 2027.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — October 5, 2026
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called for far-reaching constitutional and electoral reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The recommendations were contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC 2026), held in Enugu from September 24 to 26, 2026. The conference brought together editors, publishers, senior journalists and other stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s democracy and the role of the media.
The Guild recommended that a presidential candidate should secure at least 50 per cent of votes cast, with a run-off provided where no candidate attains the proposed threshold.
The editors also advocated that electoral disputes should be resolved within appropriate timelines, preferably before declared winners are sworn into office. According to the Guild, timely and transparent adjudication would help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process while respecting the independence of the judiciary.
Calls for INEC Appointment Reforms
The NGE further called for a review of the processes for appointing the Chairman, National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as State Electoral Commissioners.
The Guild also advocated a review of restrictions on ordinary voters seeking to challenge electoral results and called for a constitutional framework that would permit independent candidacy.
Editors Raise Concerns Over AI and Election Disinformation
The conference also examined emerging threats posed by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, misinformation and disinformation, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.
The Guild urged newsrooms to strengthen fact-checking and verification systems and deploy appropriate digital and forensic tools to detect manipulated content. It stressed that maintaining public trust requires citizens to have access to credible information throughout the electoral cycle.
The conference, themed “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” had Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as Chief Host, while Vice-President Kashim Shettima participated virtually as Special Guest of Honour. More than 500 editors, publishers, media practitioners and stakeholders attended the conference.
The NGE’s recommendations have placed renewed attention on the need for reforms that can promote credible elections, strengthen citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions and ensure that electoral outcomes reflect the will of the people.
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