Agbakoba Challenges INEC on Polling Unit Results Publication

Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, asserted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot bar the publication of election results already announced at polling units. He emphasized that such a restriction would infringe on the constitutional right to freedom of expression.

This statement follows a warning from INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) on 24th September 2026, during the 24th All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu, where he cautioned media organizations against publishing or amplifying collated election results prior to official declarations. Agbakoba, in an open letter dated 12 October 2026, cited a 1984 Lagos State High Court judgment affirming the media's right to publish lawfully obtained election results.

He urged INEC to provide public access to polling-unit result sheets ahead of the 2027 general elections, allowing citizens and journalists to verify results independently. Agbakoba referenced Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution and the 1984 case of Nigeria Union of Journalists v.

Inspector-General of Police, arguing that the principle remains relevant under the Electoral Act, 2026.