The Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) has issued a call for research abstracts ahead of its 13th annual conference. The association is seeking contributions in areas such as digital campaigning, media ethics, political marketing, public relations, and other related fields.
Conference Theme and Focus
The conference is themed 'Media, technology and elections in Africa: Navigating digital disruption and the new dynamics of electoral communication.' ACSPN President Professor Rotimi Olatunji noted that as African nations increasingly engage with digital technologies, the role of media and communication professionals, scholars, and civil society actors in shaping the deployment of media technologies in electoral processes becomes ever more critical.
According to Professor Olatunji, the need to critically examine the evolving dynamics of electoral communication and assess the implications of digital media on democratic participation has never been more urgent.
Call for Contributions
ACSPN invites contributions from its members, prospective members, and other interested individuals, as well as local and international organizations, institutions, agencies, private sector actors, and government bodies to participate in the 2026 annual conference. The association welcomes papers that address thought-provoking issues relevant to the conference theme, including academic contributions, professional discourses, case studies, or special presentations that are products of collaborative, original, and innovative empirical studies or professional experiences.
Papers should reflect, but are not limited to, the following 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
Additionally, a special panel titled 'From ballots to bandwidth: Rethinking electoral integrity in the digital age' will be held.
Submission and Event Details
Abstracts of not more than 300 words are expected by June 30, 2026. The conference is scheduled for September 2 and 3, 2026, at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja.
