Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has unveiled plans for a comprehensive 2027 General Election Debate aimed at providing voters with a credible platform to engage and scrutinise prospective political office holders ahead of the elections.
Unveiling the initiative at a Briefing in Uyo on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, said the responsibility of journalists goes beyond reporting, entertainment and criticism, stressing that the media must also set the agenda for public discourse.
He explained that the debate was not designed for financial gains, but to enable the electorate understand the motivations, programmes and aspirations of candidates seeking elective offices.
John said the initiative would not be restricted to governorship candidates, as candidates for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate would also be invited to participate.
According to him, every candidate considered serious would be given the opportunity to present their vision and respond to questions from journalists and the public.
The NUJ Chairman disclosed that the debate would be modelled after the standard of major international media platforms such as CNN, with emphasis on professionalism, fairness and robust engagement; assuring that no voice would be shut out.
Also speaking, Chairman of the NUJ 2027 Election Debate Planning Committee, Comrade Ndanti Ekuh, announced that the debate would hold from Wednesday, December 9 to Friday, December 11, 2026. He said the governorship debate would take place on Wednesday, December 9, while the senatorial debate would hold on Friday, December 11, with further engagements with stakeholders planned ahead of the events.
Ekuh said the planning committee's watchword was independence, assuring that the process would be conducted without bias and in accordance with the highest professional standards. He declared that the committee would strive to make the debate a premium platform for issue-based political engagement.
It would be recalled that the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), which had earlier pledged its support and partnership for the success of the initiative, is expected to play a role in promoting the debate and ensuring wider public participation.
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