Journalists in Akwa Ibom State have been urged to embrace the Nigeria Union of Journalists planned political debate as a platform to strengthen professional practice and support credible elections in 2027. The call was made during the unveiling of the debate signage at the Comrade Israel Umoh Conference Room of the NUJ Council Secretariat in Uyo.
Speaking at the event, the State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, said the debate is designed to deepen democratic engagement by giving voters direct access to candidates. According to him, the exercise will feature aspirants for governor, House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats across the state.
John added that the debate will be conducted to CNN standards with a focus on professionalism, fairness and issue-based questioning. He noted that the format is intended to benefit both the media and the candidates by raising the quality of political discourse and holding public office seekers accountable to the electorate. He stressed that Akwa Ibom people deserve to hear clear policy positions, not just political slogans.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Comrade Ndanti Ekuh, disclosed that the debate has been scheduled for December 9 to 11, 2026. It will hold at the NUJ Press Centre on Information Drive, off IBB Avenue, Uyo. Ekuh said arrangements are already underway to ensure adequate media coverage, security and participation from all major political parties. He added that invitations have been sent out to stakeholders including INEC, civil society groups, and traditional institutions to be part of the process.
The NUJ Chairman further explained that the union will partner with broadcast stations and online platforms to ensure the debates are aired live across the state. This, he said, will allow voters in rural and urban areas to watch, ask questions, and make informed decisions before casting their votes. He urged media houses to mobilize reporters and fact-checkers to support the exercise.
Political analysts at the event described the initiative as timely, noting that issue-based debates are still rare in the state. They said the NUJ platform could help reduce the spread of misinformation and shift campaigns away from money politics, ethnicity and hate speech toward development-focused conversations.
The NUJ leadership said the initiative reflects the union’s commitment to effective journalism and its role in shaping informed choices ahead of the 2027 general elections. Organizers are expected to release further details on modalities, moderators and candidate participation in the coming weeks. They also called on corporate organizations and well-meaning individuals to support the debate to ensure its success.
