The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has denied allegations of partisanship levelled against it by The Nation newspaper's editorial board. The allegations stem from the participation of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) held in Enugu. The Guild described the allegations as misleading and unsupported by facts. ANEC 2026 was a professional gathering designed to discuss critical issues affecting Nigeria.
The NGE stated that the conference programme included an "Executive Session" featuring governors, political party chairmen, and heads of government agencies. This platform aimed to facilitate interaction between editors and major actors in Nigeria's political and public space. The Guild argued that isolating Peter Obi's appearance from the wider programme and character of the conference as evidence of partisanship was not supported by facts. The NGE had officially invited major political parties, including the APC, ADC, and NDC, to participate in the engagement.
The Guild's President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, signed a statement rejecting The Nation's allegations. They disclosed that invitations were sent to political parties, including reminders, and that Anaba personally contacted Prof. Nentawe Yelwatda and Hon. Chibuike Amaechi to secure wider political participation. Ukeh also followed up with Paul Ibe, media aide to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to encourage participation. The Guild asked whether they should have prevented Obi from attending simply because other invited parties chose not to.
The NGE acknowledged The Nation's right to scrutinise its activities and express editorial opinions. However, it accused the newspaper of ignoring the broad spectrum of political and governmental voices that participated in ANEC 2026. Tunde Rahman, Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, addressed the conference, while Alhaji Mohammed Idris was represented by Alhaji Ali M. Ali. Vice President Kashim Shettima also addressed the editors virtually from the United States.
The Guild rejected The Nation's description of Peter Obi's participation as an "ambush," arguing that he attended a professional conference with hundreds of editors and stakeholders. The NGE distinguished between providing a platform for engagement and supporting a political position. It also dismissed the newspaper's reference to an "impunity of silence," describing it as unfortunate. ANEC was a public professional gathering attended by hundreds of editors, journalists, and stakeholders.
The NGE reaffirmed its commitment to professional journalism and providing platforms for robust and independent engagement with political actors and stakeholders. The Guild declared that its actions were not partisanship, but journalism. Having placed its version of events on record, the NGE called on The Nation's Editorial Board to acknowledge omissions, correct misleading impressions, and apologise to the Guild and its leadership.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors continues to uphold its professional standards, providing a platform for critical issues to be discussed. The Guild's statement highlights its efforts to engage with various stakeholders, ensuring a robust and independent exchange of ideas. The NGE's response to The Nation's allegations demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability in its activities.
Key points
- The Nigerian Guild of Editors denies allegations of partisanship over Peter Obi's participation in the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference.
- The Guild reaffirms its commitment to professional journalism and providing platforms for engagement with political actors and stakeholders.
- The NGE calls on The Nation's Editorial Board to acknowledge omissions and apologise for misleading impressions.
