ACSPN URGES SCHOLARS, MEDIA PROFESSIONALS TO ATTEND ABUJA ELECTORAL INTEGRITY CONFERENCE

The Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) has invited communication scholars, researchers, media practitioners, public relations professionals, advertising experts, policymakers and development partners to participate in its 2026 National Conference on electoral integrity scheduled to hold in Abuja on September 2 and 3.

The invitation was extended by the National President of the association, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, during his goodwill message at the 2026 Annual Conference and Empowerment Programme of the Imo State chapter of ACSPN held at the Imo State University Auditorium, Owerri.

Olatunji said the Abuja conference would serve as the climax of the association’s contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He noted that the conference would provide a platform for communication scholars and professionals to advance evidence-based strategies for promoting electoral transparency, democratic governance and national cohesion.

“I warmly invite communication scholars, researchers, students, media practitioners, public relations professionals, advertising experts, policymakers, development partners and all stakeholders to participate actively in the forthcoming ACSPN National Conference in Abuja.

“The Abuja conference will represent the climax of the association’s patriotic contributions towards strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system. I encourage everyone to make adequate plans to attend what promises to be another landmark gathering of communication scholars and professionals dedicated to shaping national discourse and advancing evidence-based communication practice in Nigeria,” he said.

The ACSPN president described the theme of the Imo conference, “Mobilising Scholars and Professionals as Strategic Communicators for Election Transparency,” as timely, saying it reflects the critical role of communication professionals in promoting credible elections and combating misinformation and disinformation.

According to him, the conference aligns with the intellectual direction of the association’s national conference and reinforces ACSPN’s commitment to deploying strategic communication as a catalyst for electoral integrity, democratic accountability and sustainable national development.

Olatunji also referenced the South-West webinar organised by the association on July 22 with the theme, “Elections, Conflict and Security: Reappraising the Role of Media and Communications,” describing both engagements as part of ACSPN’s broader strategy to deepen scholarly engagement on issues affecting Nigeria’s democracy.

He lauded the Imo State chapter for organising the conference in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the association’s commitment to advancing scholarship, professional practice, public engagement and capacity development within the communication ecosystem.

The ACSPN president urged other state chapters to emulate the Imo chapter by organising impactful conferences, professional development programmes and community engagement initiatives capable of enhancing the visibility and relevance of the association nationwide.

He also congratulated recipients of awards presented during the conference, saying they exemplify the values of excellence, integrity, professionalism and nation-building which the association seeks to promote.

Olatunji assured participants that the National Executive Council would provide the association’s flagship Journal of Communication Research and Practice and official website as platforms for publishing the conference proceedings and showcasing them to the global academic community.