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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has announced that more than 500 editors will converge on Enugu in September for its 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), with the 2027 general election and the growing threat of AI-generated disinformation expected to dominate discussions.
In a statement made available to the Daily Sun and signed by NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, on August 23, 2026, the Guild said the conference would hold at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, on September 24 and 25.
The annual conference, which is the flagship gathering of the Guild, will bring together editors from across Nigeria and other distinguished guests to deliberate on critical national and global issues with social, economic and political implications.
The theme of the conference is “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” while the sub-theme is “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.”
The NGE said the conference was particularly significant because it would take place ahead of the 2027 general election. His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, will chair the event.
Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on September 24 at 2pm, while Prof. Auwal Yadudu of the Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano, will speak on “Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability.”
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, will also address participants on the first day, while Ombudsman and Public Protector of ThisDay Newspapers, Kayode Komolafe, and veteran journalist and civil rights campaigner, Owei Lakemfa, will jointly speak on “Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists.”
On September 25, immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, will examine “Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts” in a presentation scheduled for 9am.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, will speak on “Neutrality, Professionalism and Election Security in Democratic Governance,” while Founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, Port Harcourt, Dr. Richard Okoye, will address the human side of journalism, focusing on stress, deadlines and personal wellbeing.
Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media at Kennesaw State University, Georgia, USA, Prof. Farooq A. Kperogi, will examine the conference sub-theme on detecting and debunking AI disinformation before, during and after elections.
The Guild said the second day would also feature an Executive Session at 12:30pm, during which editors would engage governors, political party leaders and heads of government parastatals on issues of national importance.
According to the NGE, the conference will provide a platform for editors and stakeholders to examine ways of advancing democratic governance, promoting national development and strengthening nation-building through responsible and responsive journalism.
