NUJ Sets 2027 Election Debates For Akwa Ibom Candidates

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has inaugurated a committee to organise public debates for candidates contesting elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative is designed to provide voters with an opportunity to scrutinise candidates’ programmes, policies and aspirations, while giving contestants a platform to explain and defend their manifestoes before journalists and the electorate.

Unveiling the initiative, the NUJ State chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, said the responsibility of journalists went beyond reporting, entertainment and criticism, stressing that the media also had a duty to set the agenda for public discourse.

John said the debates were not intended to generate revenue but to help voters understand the motivations, programmes and aspirations of candidates seeking elective offices.

He said the exercise would cover more than the governorship race, with candidates for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate also expected to participate.

“Every candidate considered serious would be given the opportunity to present their vision and respond to questions from journalists and the public,” he said.

According to him, the debates would be modelled on major international media platforms, including CNN, with emphasis on professionalism, fairness and robust engagement.

He assured that the platform would remain open to candidates across political parties.

Chairman of the NUJ 2027 Election Debate Planning Committee, Comrade Ndanti Ekuh, said the debates had been scheduled for December 9 to 11, 2026.

He disclosed that the governorship debate would hold on Wednesday, December 9, while the senatorial debate would take place on Friday, December 11.

Ekuh said the committee would also engage relevant stakeholders ahead of the debates as part of preparations for the events.

He said independence would remain the committee’s guiding principle, assuring that the process would be conducted without bias and in accordance with professional standards.

According to him, the committee’s objective is to establish a credible platform for issue-based political engagement, where candidates can present their policies and respond to questions on issues affecting Akwa Ibom State.

The initiative is expected to place greater focus on candidates’ programmes and policy positions ahead of the 2027 elections, giving the electorate an opportunity to compare their proposals before making voting decisions.