The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has criticised The Nation newspaper’s Editorial Board over its publication concerning the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), demanding an apology for what it described as inaccurate conclusions about the organisation’s conduct.
The Guild said the newspaper’s editorial, titled “Journalists Failed Journalism,” published on October 8, 2026, did not adequately consider the circumstances surrounding the conference held in Enugu.
In a statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE maintained that the editorial made serious allegations without establishing all the relevant facts.
The newspaper had questioned the Guild’s decision to allow Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Professor Pat Utomi, a prominent figure in the party, to address participants at the conference.
The Nation reportedly argued that their participation could create the impression that the professional body was favouring a particular political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the NGE rejected the allegation, insisting that providing political figures with an opportunity to address editors did not amount to an endorsement of their political ambitions.
NGE Explains Purpose of Conference
According to the Guild, the conference was organised as a professional forum for editors and other stakeholders to examine important national issues, including democracy, elections, journalism, artificial intelligence, disinformation and Nigeria’s future.
It explained that the programme included an executive session designed to bring together governors, political party leaders, heads of government agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
The organisation argued that Obi and Utomi’s participation should be viewed within this broader objective of encouraging engagement between the media and political actors.
The Guild also disputed The Nation’s description of Obi’s appearance as an “ambush,” noting that the conference was an open professional gathering attended by editors, journalists and other participants.
It further rejected the newspaper’s reference to an “impunity of silence,” arguing that the event was neither secret nor conducted outside public view.
Guild Reaffirms Commitment to Journalistic Standards
The NGE said it remained committed to the fundamental principles of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, balance, objectivity, independence and accountability.
It maintained that its responsibility included creating opportunities for independent discussions involving political parties, public officials, civil society organisations and electoral institutions, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The Guild argued that such engagements should not be interpreted as evidence of partisanship, stressing that a professional media gathering could accommodate different political perspectives without endorsing any candidate.
It also expressed disappointment that The Nation’s editorial, in its view, reached a broad conclusion without sufficiently considering the circumstances surrounding the conference and efforts to encourage wider political participation.
The organisation insisted that its decision to provide a platform for discussion was consistent with its professional responsibilities.
NGE Calls for Retraction and Apology
In response to the publication, the Guild challenged The Nation’s Editorial Board to acknowledge what it described as omissions in the editorial and issue an apology to the organisation and its leadership.
It maintained that the newspaper should have established the full circumstances of the conference before making assertions about the Guild’s neutrality and professional conduct.
The disagreement has drawn attention to the relationship between media accountability, editorial independence and the role of professional journalism organisations in providing platforms for political engagement.
While The Nation questioned the circumstances of Obi’s participation, the NGE maintained that the conference was intended to facilitate discussions on national issues rather than promote any political party.
The Guild reiterated that it would continue to provide opportunities for engagement among political and public stakeholders without fear or favour, while upholding the professional standards expected of journalists.
