Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has declared that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no constitutional power to prevent citizens, political parties, or journalists from publishing verified results already announced at polling units!
In an open letter addressed to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), the human rights lawyer urged the electoral body to guarantee meaningful public access to polling unit result sheets and the IReV portal ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Agbakoba clarified that while INEC retains the exclusive legal authority to formally declare final election winners, publishing figures directly recorded on authentic polling unit result sheets is a protected constitutional right under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Citing a landmark 1984 Lagos State High Court judgment (NUJ v. IGP), the Senior Advocate emphasized that citizens who share authentic polling unit records are simply participating in public scrutiny, which builds trust and prevents avoidable post-election litigation.
He called on the commission to issue clear operational guidelines distinguishing formal result declarations from legitimate media reporting, ensuring Nigerians can report, discuss, and analyze figures without fear or intimidation.
What do you think about Dr. Olisa Agbakoba’s stance on publishing polling unit results? Share your opinions in the comment section below!
