Cardinal Onaiyekan Leads Call for Fair Elections in Nigeria

The 22nd All Nigeria Editors Congress, held from September 23 to 26 in Enugu, focused on ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria. Keynote speaker Cardinal John Onaiyekan emphasized that election outcomes should reflect the people's votes rather than judicial decisions, criticizing the judiciary for its role in determining election results through litigation.

He stated that the judiciary should only adjudicate disputes arising from elections, not impose candidates on the electorate. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by Enugu REC Chukwuemeka Chukwu, highlighted the importance of an informed electorate and the media's role in reflecting electoral outcomes.

He stressed that without a credible electoral process, press freedom becomes ineffective. The discussions underscored the need for integrity in the electoral process and the media's responsibility in safeguarding democracy.