A two‑day summit called “Beyond the Ballot: Safeguarding Electoral Information Integrity in the Age of AI” will bring roughly 250 stakeholders to the Abuja Continental Hotel on 2 and 3 November 2026, aiming to devise practical responses to AI‑driven disinformation before the 2027 general elections.
The event is organised by the International Press Centre ([IPC](https://www.ipc.org.ng/)) and the Centre for Media and Society ([CEMESO](https://www.cemeso.org/)), in partnership with DAI and [International IDEA](https://www.idea.int/). It is hosted under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria ([EU‑SDGN](https://europa.eu/)) Programme, which receives funding from the European Union.
Key facts:
- Date and venue: 2‑3 November 2026, Abuja Continental Hotel.
- Expected attendance: about 250 participants, including representatives of the [Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)](https://www.inecnigeria.org/), media houses, technology platforms, fact‑checkers, academia and civil‑society groups.
- Organisers: IPC, CEMESO, DAI and International IDEA, with EU‑SDGN financial support.
- Quote: “Beyond the Ballot is not just another conference about information disorder. It is an opportunity to test our preparedness, examine institutional responsibilities and identify practical measures to protect the integrity of electoral information,” said Lanre Arogundade, spokesperson for the EU‑SDGN Programme.
What threats are being addressed?
The summit will focus on the misuse of artificial intelligence and digital communication tools that can produce deep‑fake videos, AI‑generated audio, manipulated images and coordinated disinformation campaigns. Such content can distort electoral information, sway public perception, create voter confusion and erode confidence in election outcomes.
How will participants respond?
A highlight of the gathering will be an interactive simulation of an AI‑driven electoral disinformation crisis. Delegates will test institutional reactions when fabricated content spreads during an election, exploring detection methods, claim verification, and rapid communication of accurate information.
Why is the timing critical?
With the 2027 elections drawing nearer, the risk that sophisticated AI tools could be weaponised to influence voters is intensifying. The summit seeks to assess whether electoral bodies, the media, technology platforms and citizens are equipped to recognise and counter these threats.
What outcomes are expected?
Attendees aim to produce actionable recommendations for strengthening cooperation among stakeholders, enhancing institutional preparedness, and safeguarding citizens’ right to reliable electoral information while preserving freedom of expression and media independence.
The discussions will also examine the responsibilities of digital platforms, the role of social‑media content creators, the impact of foreign information manipulation and interference, and the evolving nature of journalism in an AI‑saturated information ecosystem.
By the end of the two‑day event, organisers hope to contribute concrete measures to national debates on protecting electoral information integrity, ensuring that Nigerians can make informed voting decisions based on credible data rather than fabricated narratives.