2027 Elections: Editors to Examine Media’s Role in Protecting Democracy

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has announced plans to hold its 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Enugu, with more than 500 editors and other stakeholders expected to attend the two-day gathering.

The conference is scheduled for September 24 and 25, 2026, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu.

Themed “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” the conference will focus on the role of the media in strengthening democracy, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

The Guild will also examine the growing threat posed by artificial intelligence-generated misinformation and disinformation under the sub-theme, “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.”

His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, will chair the conference.

According to a statement signed by NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the opening ceremony on September 24 will feature former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, as keynote speaker.

Onaiyekan is expected to address editors and other participants from 2pm.

Other speakers scheduled for the first day include Professor Auwal Yadudu of the Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano, who will speak on “Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability.”

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, is also expected to address the gathering.

The day’s programme will further feature a joint presentation by ThisDay Newspapers Ombudsman and Public Protector, Kayode Komolafe, and veteran journalist and civil rights campaigner, Owei Lakemfa.

Their presentation, titled “Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists,” will examine the difficult balance between responsible reporting and national security concerns.

The second day of the conference will feature discussions on electoral disputes, media professionalism, election security, artificial intelligence and the wellbeing of journalists.

Immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, is scheduled to speak at 9am on “Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts.”

Professor Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, will address the issue of “Neutrality, Professionalism and Election Security in Democratic Governance.”

The conference will also turn attention to the often-overlooked personal challenges faced by journalists.

Dr Richard Okoye, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, Port Harcourt, will speak on “The Human Side of Journalism: Managing Stress, Deadlines and Personal Wellbeing.”

Professor Farooq A. Kperogi of Kennesaw State University, Georgia, United States, will lead discussions on the conference’s AI disinformation sub-theme, examining how journalists can identify and counter increasingly sophisticated forms of false information before, during and after elections.

An Executive Session is also scheduled for 12:30pm on September 25, during which editors will engage governors, political party leaders and heads of government agencies on issues of national importance.

The NGE said the conference would provide an opportunity for media leaders to assess the challenges confronting Nigerian democracy and examine how journalism can contribute to credible elections, public trust and democratic stability.

The Guild also said the gathering would seek to strengthen responsible and responsive journalism while promoting national development and nation-building.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the conference is expected to place particular emphasis on the media’s responsibility to provide accurate information, scrutinise political actors and help the public distinguish credible information from manipulated or AI-generated content.