Ahead of the 13th annual conference, members of the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) have called for researches in the areas of digital campaigning, media ethics, political marketing, Public Relations and other areas of focus.

Themed, ‘Media, technology and elections in Africa: Navigating digital disruption and the new dynamics of electoral communication,’ ACSPN President Prof. Rotimi Olatunji observed as African nations and societies deepen engagements with digital technologies, the role of media and communication professionals, scholars and civil society actors in setting agenda for the deployment of media techs in the electoral processes becomes ever more critical.

To the don, the imperative to critically examine evolving dynamics of electoral communication and assess the implications of digital media on democratic participation has never been more urgent.

As a result, he added, “ASPN invites contributions from its members, prospective members, and other interested individuals, as well as local and international organisations, institutions, agencies, private sector actors and government bodies to participate in the 2026 annual conference.

“We welcome papers (academic contributions, professional discourses, case studies or special presentations that are product of collaborative, original and innovative empirical studies or professional experiences) that addresses thought-provoking issues relevant to the conference theme,” he stated.

Speaking further, he disclosed papers should reflect but not restricted to theses sub-themes, Digital campaigning in African electoral contexts; Misinformation, disinformation, and electoral manipulation in Africa; Media ethics and regulation in African elections and democratic processes; Surveillance, data privacy, and voter profiling in electoral systems in Africa; Gender, media and digital participation in African elections among others.

Olatunji added there would also be a special panel on, “From ballots to bandwidth: Rethinking electoral integrity in the digital age,”Abstracts of not more than 300 words are expected by June 30, 2026.

The event is scheduled for September 2 and 3, 2026 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel Abuja.