The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has called for stronger collaboration among the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the media, political parties and other stakeholders to ensure credible, peaceful and hitch-free elections in 2027.
The association made the call at a world press conference held on Thursday ahead of its 2nd Annual Lecture and Awards, which will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at the Army Resources Centre, Asokoro, Hall A, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja.
The lecture is themed, “Roadmap to 2027: Strengthening Electoral Security Through Collaboration Among INEC, the Media, and Political Parties for Credible and Hitch-Free Elections.”
Chairman of ACOE, Comrade Shola Akingboye, said the theme was particularly relevant as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
According to him, electoral credibility and security cannot be achieved by one institution alone, stressing the need for effective cooperation among INEC, political parties, the media and other stakeholders before, during and after elections.
Akingboye said the media has a critical responsibility to provide citizens with accurate, verified and timely information while holding electoral stakeholders accountable in line with professional ethics.
He also urged political parties to promote issue-based campaigns, discourage inflammatory rhetoric and ensure that their supporters respect electoral rules.
He stressed the need for improved communication and information-sharing among stakeholders to tackle misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other threats capable of undermining electoral peace and public confidence.
The ACOE chairman said the annual lecture would provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify practical solutions and develop a collective roadmap for safer and more credible elections in 2027.
The event will also recognise individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to journalism, democracy, public accountability, electoral development and national service.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the 2026 ACOE Annual Lecture and Awards Planning Committee, Chux Ukwuatu, said this year’s anniversary programme had been expanded into a three-day event focused on fitness, humanitarian service, professional development and the annual lecture and awards.
According to him, the first day will feature a physical fitness exercise for members, followed by humanitarian visits to motherless homes.
Ukwuatu said the initiative was designed to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of journalists while encouraging members to identify with vulnerable people in society.
The second day will focus on professional development, with an on-the-job training seminar for members on ethical digital journalism in the era of Artificial Intelligence.
The training will examine the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, including misinformation, deepfakes, fabricated content, copyright concerns and the erosion of public trust.
The seminar will be held under the theme, “What the AI Will Not Do,” highlighting the need for journalists to retain professional judgment and ethical responsibility despite technological advances.
Ukwuatu said the third day would feature the annual lecture and awards, with the INEC Chairman expected to deliver the keynote address on the 2027 electoral roadmap.
The event is expected to attract about 100 participants, including ministers, senior government officials, politicians, media professionals, civil society representatives, development partners, security agencies and other stakeholders.
Akingboye said ACOE remained committed to promoting professional, responsible and people-centred online journalism that contributes positively to Nigeria’s democratic development.
He urged all stakeholders to participate actively in the three-day programme, noting that electoral security and credibility remained a collective responsibility.
