As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, concerns over AI-generated lies, weak electoral processes, judicial controversies and declining public trust are putting the media under fresh scrutiny.
These issues took centre stage in Enugu on Thursday as editors from across the country opened their 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference, asking what it will take to keep the country’s democracy credible and alive.
For the people who decide what millions of Nigerians see, hear and read, this is more than another conference.
The theme, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” and its sub-theme, “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Elections,” place the media right at the centre of the conversation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, agreed that Nigeria’s democracy needs stronger protection. But while the traditional ruler focused on the new danger posed by AI-generated disinformation, the Cardinal pointed to weaknesses in Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems.
And for Vice President Kashim Shettima, who addressed the editors from the United States, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, AI raises the stakes for falsehood, with both stating that the challenge for the media has changed.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Guild’s second book, “The Truth and the Future of Journalism in Nigeria,” and brought together dignitaries, including Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, as editors continued the search for answers to some of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy and media.
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(Editor: Ada Ononye)
