No fewer than 500 editors from across Nigeria and other distinguished guests are expected at the 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
The annual conference is scheduled for Sept. 24 and Sept. 25 at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
The conference comes ahead of the 2027 general elections and will focus on strengthening democracy through responsible journalism.
NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, signed the statement announcing the conference and its planned activities.
Anaba said participants would deliberate on critical national and global issues with far-reaching social, economic and political implications.
According to him, the gathering will enable editors and stakeholders to examine pathways for advancing democratic governance and national development.
He said the conference would also promote nation-building through responsible and responsive journalism across the country.
Anaba said media leaders would interrogate challenges confronting democracy and the media’s responsibility for safeguarding credible elections.
He added that discussions would address public trust, democratic values and the media’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme is, ‘The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive’.
Its sub-theme is, ‘When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.’
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe, will chair the conference, while former Abuja Catholic Archbishop, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, will deliver the keynote address.
On Sept. 24, Prof. Auwal Yadudu of Bayero University’s Faculty of Law will speak on public trust and electoral justice.
His presentation is titled, ‘Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability’, while Enugu State Governor, Mr Peter Mbah, will also address participants.
ThisDay Ombudsman and Public Protector, Kayode Komolafe, and veteran journalist, Owei Lakemfa, will jointly examine reporting terrorism responsibly.
Their presentation is titled, ‘Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists’.
Anaba said the second day’s programme would feature discussions on electoral litigation and journalism’s professional responsibilities.
The immediate past Nigerian Bar Association President, Mazi Osigwe, will speak on election petitions in the digital age.
His presentation will examine independence, evidence, BVAS and the courts in resolving electoral disputes.
