ASABA — The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has announced plans for its 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series, bringing together journalists, online publishers, government officials, political leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders to deliberate on the state of democracy, electoral integrity and security in Nigeria.
The conference is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, Delta State, with proceedings expected to commence at 11:00 a.m.
The event, themed “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria,” is designed to provide a platform for discussions on the challenges confronting democratic governance and the media’s role in addressing them.
In a joint statement, the Chairman of the 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series Planning Committee, Dn. Chijioke Williams Ugbolue, and the Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, said the theme was chosen to encourage constructive engagement on issues affecting Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
They explained that the conference would examine the credibility of electoral processes, emerging security threats and the changing responsibilities of the media in an increasingly complex information environment.
The organisers stressed that digital and online media platforms play a significant role in shaping public opinion, informing citizens, promoting accountability and facilitating public discourse.
They, however, underscored the need for accuracy, professionalism, ethical reporting and responsible use of digital platforms.
The conference is also expected to explore the connections between elections, security and media coverage, with particular attention to misinformation, disinformation, political communication, public trust and the safety of journalists.
According to the planning committee, preparations are in top gear to make the event one of the major gatherings of media professionals in Delta State.
Expected participants include government officials, political leaders, lawmakers, academics, business executives, representatives of the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The organisers said the participation of stakeholders from different sectors would provide an opportunity to examine the conference theme from political, professional, academic, security and institutional perspectives.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour, while a prominent professional and politician has been scheduled to chair the occasion.
The committee also disclosed that a distinguished academician had been selected as the Guest Lecturer for the 6th Annual Lecture.
DOPF, a professional association of online publishers and media practitioners, has continued to organise engagements on issues relating to media responsibility, democratic governance, security and development.
The 2026 conference is expected to build on these efforts by bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy and the media’s contribution to accountability and national development.
The planning committee expressed optimism that the conference would generate meaningful discussions and deepen understanding of electoral integrity, security challenges and responsible journalism.
It added that the event would reaffirm the importance of professional and accountable media practice in strengthening democratic governance.
