More than 500 editors from across Nigeria are expected to converge on Enugu on September 24 and 25 for the 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), with artificial intelligence-driven disinformation and the 2027 general elections topping the agenda.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) said the annual conference, which will hold at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, will provide a platform for media leaders, political stakeholders and other key actors to examine the challenges confronting democracy and the role of the media in safeguarding credible elections and public trust.
The theme of the 2026 conference is “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” while its sub-theme is “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.”
The conference will be chaired by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.
In a statement signed by the NGE President and General Secretary, Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh respectively, the Guild said the conference would interrogate emerging threats to democracy while exploring ways the media can continue to promote accountability, credible elections and democratic stability.
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Cardinal Onaiyekan to Deliver Keynote
The opening ceremony on September 24, scheduled for 2pm, will feature former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, as keynote speaker.
Prof. Auwal Yadudu of the Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano, will also address participants on “Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability.”
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, is also expected to address the gathering on the first day.
Another major session will focus on the sensitive challenge of reporting terrorism responsibly. Ombudsman and Public Protector of ThisDay Newspapers, Kayode Komolafe, and veteran journalist and civil rights campaigner, Owei Lakemfa, will jointly present a paper titled “Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists.”
Focus on Elections, BVAS and the Courts
Activities will continue on September 25 with a presentation by immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe.
His presentation, scheduled for 9am, is titled “Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts.”
The session is expected to examine the evolving relationship between technology, electoral disputes and the judicial process, particularly as Nigeria approaches another general election cycle.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, will also speak on “Neutrality, Professionalism and Election Security in Democratic Governance.”
AI Disinformation Takes Centre Stage
One of the major highlights of the conference will be the discussion on artificial intelligence and its growing impact on journalism and elections.
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Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media at Kennesaw State University, Georgia, United States, Prof. Farooq A. Kperogi, will examine the conference’s sub-theme on how journalists and the public can detect and debunk AI-generated disinformation before, during and after elections.
The discussion comes at a time when increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence tools can generate realistic photographs, videos, audio recordings and written content capable of misleading voters and influencing public opinion.
For the Nigerian media, the challenge is particularly significant as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections, when misinformation and disinformation could potentially affect electoral participation, public trust and political discourse.
Editors to Discuss Journalists’ Welfare
The conference will also address the human side of journalism.
Dr Richard Okoye, founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, Port Harcourt, will deliver a presentation titled “The Human Side of Journalism: Managing Stress, Deadlines and Personal Wellbeing.”
The session will focus attention on the pressures faced by journalists and editors, including demanding deadlines, professional stress and the need for better attention to journalists’ physical and personal wellbeing.
Governors, Political Leaders Expected at Executive Session
Another major feature of the conference will be an Executive Session scheduled for 12:30pm on the second day.
Editors will engage governors, political party leaders and heads of government parastatals on issues of national importance.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors said the conference is designed not only to discuss the challenges facing the media but also to identify practical pathways for advancing democratic governance, national development and nation-building through responsible and responsive journalism.
The Guild further said the gathering would enable media leaders to examine emerging threats to democracy and develop strategies to ensure that the media continues to play its critical role in promoting credible elections, public accountability and democratic stability.
With Nigeria already looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the 2026 ANEC in Enugu is expected to place renewed attention on the ability of the country’s media industry to confront misinformation, navigate emerging AI technologies and maintain public trust while upholding professional standards.
