Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Governor Umo Eno of the All Progressives Congress and other governorship candidates in Akwa Ibom State have indicated their willingness to participate in an election debate being organised by the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The debate is scheduled for December 9 to 11, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo, with the governorship candidates expected to take the stage on December 9, while the senatorial debate will hold on December 11.
Apart from Governor Eno of the APC, the other candidates are John Akpanudoedehe of the African Democratic Congress, Michael Bush of the Labour Party, Samuel Coffie of the Peoples Democratic Party, and Jeremiah Akpan of the Democratic Leadership Alliance. Candidates for the State House of Assembly and House of Representatives are also expected to participate in subsequent sessions.
The debate has attracted the support of several media, civic, academic and development organisations, including the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, University of Uyo, YIAGA Africa, Enough is Enough Nigeria, PIND Foundation, Clement Isong Foundation, Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom, Akwa Ibom Decides and Governor Amunike. The partnership is expected to provide technical, professional, academic and civic support for the exercise and widen public participation.
The NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, said the responsibility of journalists went beyond reporting, stressing that the media also had a duty to set the agenda for public discourse. He 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 be modelled on major international media platforms, including CNN, with emphasis on professionalism, fairness and robust engagement.
Chairman of the NUJ 2027 Election Debate Planning Committee, Comrade Ndanti Ekuh, said the committee would engage relevant stakeholders ahead of the debates and assured that independence would remain its guiding principle. He said the objective was 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 University of Uyo's Vice Chancellor, Christopher Ekong, said the university's participation could strengthen political awareness, public participation and accountability ahead of the election. The debate is expected to place greater focus on candidates' programmes and policy positions, giving the electorate an opportunity to compare their proposals before making voting decisions.
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