Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba, has insisted that journalists have the legal right to publish election results ahead of the 2027 general elections, provided the information is accurate and verified.

Agbakoba maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, remains the only body legally empowered to officially declare election winners, but said this does not prevent journalists from reporting results announced at polling units.

He based his position on a 1984 court ruling involving the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the former Federal Electoral Commission, which he said recognised the media’s right to publish election results already declared at polling centres.

The senior lawyer also urged INEC to ensure public access to authentic polling-unit result sheets through its Result Viewing Portal, IReV, to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

He explained that the publication of results already available to the public is different from the official declaration of final results, stressing that journalists should be allowed to report verified information without usurping the commission’s statutory responsibilities.

Agbakoba further called on INEC to establish clear guidelines for election reporting and ensure timely access to electoral records to enable journalists, political parties and observers to independently scrutinise the process.

He noted that greater transparency and access to election results would help build public confidence, reduce suspicion and minimise disputes following the 2027 general elections.

He, however, emphasised the importance of accuracy and verification in reporting election results to prevent the spread of misinformation.