The Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) is set to convene scholars, media practitioners, policymakers and other stakeholders conference in FCT, Abuja to examine the growing impact of digital technology on electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Association’s 13th annual conference, scheduled for September 2 and 3, 2026, at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, will focus on “Media, Technology and Elections in Africa: Navigating Digital Disruption and the New Dynamics of Electoral Communication.”

The conference is expected to examine emerging threats associated with artificial intelligence, deepfakes, misinformation, disinformation, micro-targeted political messaging and other forms of digital manipulation capable of influencing voters and undermining confidence in electoral processes.

ACSPN, through its National President, Professor Rotimi Olatunji, on Sunday, said the rapid transformation of the digital environment had created both opportunities and challenges for democratic communication, making it imperative for scholars, communication professionals, electoral authorities and policymakers to develop evidence-based strategies for protecting electoral integrity.

The Association said the conference would provide a platform for stakeholders to examine how technology could be deployed to strengthen transparency, voter participation and public trust while addressing emerging risks associated with its misuse.

A special panel at the conference will focus on: “From Ballots to Bandwidth: Rethinking Electoral Integrity in the Digital Age,” with experts expected to examine the changing relationships between technology, communication and elections.

Among those expected to feature at the conference are the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Ojo Amupitan, SAN, who will deliver the keynote address; Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, who will chair the opening ceremony; and ACSPN Deputy National President, Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, who will present the lead paper.

The Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr Lekan Fadolapo, is expected as Guest of Honour, along with the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace.

The special panel will feature, among others, the Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Ronald Kayanja; President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku; Executive Director, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi; and Director-General/CEO, National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr Shaibu Hussein.

The Association said the conference would also explore digital campaigning, electoral manipulation, media ethics and regulation, voter profiling, data privacy, gender and digital participation, as well as the implications of artificial intelligence for African elections.

The news release issued by Professor Olatunji added that the gathering would provide an opportunity for stronger collaboration among communication scholars, media organisations, electoral institutions, government agencies and civil society organisations in developing practical responses to emerging digital threats.

The conference will also feature the conferment of ACSPN Fellowship on distinguished scholars and media professionals, including Professors Idowu Sobowale who is thd ACSPN Chair, Board of Trustees; Umaru Pate, immediate past President, ACSPN; Nosa Owens-Ibie, ummediate Pst General Secretary; Stella Chinyere Okunna, and Rotimi Olatunji.

 Others are Messrs Dapo Olorunyomi and Lanre Idowu for their contributions to communication scholarship, journalism, professional development and institution-building.

ACSPN, established in 2013, is committed to advancing communication scholarship and professional practice in Nigeria through research, knowledge exchange, capacity building and engagement with institutions involved in communication and democratic development.