RismadarVoice Reporters, August 18, 2026
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has announced plans for a 2027 General Election Debate to allow voters an opportunity to scrutinise candidates and assess their programmes ahead of the elections.
Speaking at a briefing in Uyo on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, NUJ Akwa Ibom Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, said journalists had a responsibility not only to report events but also to set the agenda for meaningful public discourse.
He said the initiative was not intended for financial gain, but to help voters understand the motivations, policies and aspirations of candidates seeking elective positions.
The debate will extend beyond governorship candidates to include those contesting seats in the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate.
John said candidates regarded as serious contenders will be allowed the opportunity to present their visions and respond to questions from journalists and members of the public.
According to him, the debate will be modelled on the standards of major international media organisations such as CNN, with emphasis on professionalism, fairness, independence and robust questioning.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the NUJ 2027 Election Debate Planning Committee, Comrade Ndanti Ekuh, announced that the programme is scheduled for December 9–11, 2026.
The proposed schedule includes:
Wednesday, December 9: Governorship debate
Friday, December 11: Senatorial debate
Additional stakeholder engagements: To be held ahead of the main events
Ekuh said independence would be the planning committee’s guiding principle, assuring that candidates would be treated fairly and that the process would be conducted without political bias.
He described the initiative as an effort to establish a premium platform for issue-based political engagement, where candidates would be challenged to explain their policies and priorities to the electorate.
The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), which had earlier pledged support for the initiative, is expected to assist with promotion and broader public participation.
The initiative could provide Akwa Ibom voters with an important opportunity to compare candidates directly on policies, governance plans and development priorities ahead of the 2027 elections.
