Enugu Conference: NGE denies partisanship, urges Nation Newspaper to apologise
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has issued a formal denial of allegations regarding partisanship in relation to the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) held in Enugu. The Guild is calling on the Nation Newspaper to issue an apology for its recent editorial that questioned the integrity of the event.
In an editorial dated October 8, 2026, titled “Journalists Failed Journalism,” the Nation Newspaper criticized the NGE for allowing Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Professor Pat Utomi, a party chieftain, to speak at the conference.
A statement from the NGE, signed by President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, contended that the editorial unfairly accused the Guild’s leadership of acting in a partisan manner. The NGE maintained that the editorial’s claims were not substantiated by facts, emphasizing that ANEC 2026 was organized as a professional forum focused on discussing critical issues such as democracy, elections, media integrity, artificial intelligence, and disinformation.
The NGE highlighted that the conference included an “Executive Session” aimed at facilitating dialogue between media representatives and key political figures, including governors and party chairs. They stated that multiple political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were formally invited to participate.
The Guild noted that it had invited prominent figures, including APC Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yelwatda and ADC Chairman Senator David Mark. Additionally, Anaba confirmed he reached out personally to Yelwatda and ADC Vice Presidential candidate Chibuike Amaechi, while Ukeh communicated with Paul Ibe, media aide to ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, to encourage attendance.
The NGE questioned the assertion that the absence of certain political figures would justify excluding a willing participant, stating that invitations had been issued and reminders sent.
While acknowledging the right of the Nation Newspaper and other media outlets to scrutinize its activities, the NGE criticized the editorial for overlooking the diversity of political voices represented at the conference. Among those who spoke were Tunde Rahman, media adviser to President Bola Tinubu, and the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, who represented the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. Furthermore, Vice President Kashim Shettima addressed attendees virtually from the United States.
The NGE rejected any characterization of Obi’s presence as an “ambush,” asserting that the conference was an open forum attended by numerous editors and stakeholders. They emphasized a distinction between providing a platform for dialogue and endorsing a specific political agenda.
The Guild expressed disappointment with the newspaper’s description of its actions as an “impunity of silence,” emphasizing that the conference was a public event and that the absence of coverage by any media outlet does not equate to misconduct.
Reiterating its commitment to fostering independent engagement with various political actors and civic groups, the NGE asserted that its efforts exemplify journalistic integrity, not partisanship.
In conclusion, the NGE has urged the Editorial Board of the Nation Newspaper to rectify perceived misrepresentations in the editorial and to offer an apology to the Guild and its leadership.
