THE Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) has announced its 2026 Annual Conference, with a strategic focus on navigating digital disruptions and artificial intelligence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press briefing to herald the event, National President of ACSPN, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, stated that the conference comes at a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

According to him, Nigeria and the African continent are confronted by a rapidly changing communication environment where AI, social media, and data-driven political communication are fundamentally transforming how citizens engage political actors and participate in elections.

He pointed that “As we approach the 2027 General Elections, Nigeria, and indeed the African continent, is confronted by a rapidly changing communication environment.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Media, Technology and Elections in Africa: Navigating Digital Disruption and the New Dynamics of Electoral Communication, Olatunji said “Our theme, therefore, is both timely and deliberate.

“ACSPN is prepared to contribute its intellectual resources, professional expertise and institutional capacity to the task of building a more informed, inclusive, peaceful and credible democratic process.”

A major highlight of the 2026 conference scheduled to hold at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, will be the maiden edition of the ACSPN Fellowship and Special Awards, designed to recognise outstanding contributions to communication scholarship, professional practice, and national development.

The president disclosed that posthumous fellowship awards will be conferred on the pioneer President of ACSPN, the late Prof. Lai Oso, and a founding member, the late Prof. Dayo Alao.

Describing the awards as a statement on institutional memory, he said “An organisation that does not honour its pioneers risks losing the history upon which its future is built.”

The ACSPN President further described the association and the media as a bird that requires the two strong wings of scholarship and professional practice to fly effectively. He urged media practitioners to partner with scholars to interrogate data, understand complex electoral technologies, and combat fake news.

“Neither wing can effectively fly alone. That is why a stronger partnership between communication scholars and the media is indispensable.

“We need journalists who can interrogate data. We need editors who understand artificial intelligence and digital manipulation,” he added.

He appealed to the media to take the conversation beyond the conference hall by promoting fact-based public discourse and challenging misinformation and disinformation to ensure citizens make informed democratic choices.

Others to be honoured at the meeting include the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Idowu Sobowale, Co-Chair, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie,  immediate past National President, Prof. Umaru Alhaji Pate, Prof. Stella Okunna, Mr Lanre Idowu, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, and the current president Prof. Olatunji.