Governorship, Senate and House of Representatives candidates expected to face voters on policies, competence
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, is gearing up for what it describes as the “Mother of All Debates” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The proposed debate is expected to bring together candidates seeking the governorship, Senate and House of Representatives seats across Oyo State.
The initiative is aimed at moving political campaigns beyond rallies and slogans by giving candidates a platform to speak directly to the people about their manifestos, programmes, policy plans and vision for the state and their respective constituencies.
According to the council, the debate will also give voters an opportunity to assess the candidates based on issues such as competence, character, capacity and their understanding of governance.
In a statement jointly signed by the NUJ Oyo State Chairman, Mr Akeem Abas, and Secretary, Temidayo Adu, the council said the initiative was part of the media’s constitutional responsibility to promote accountability, transparency and issue-based political discourse.
The union said the debate would provide all participating candidates with equal opportunities to present their ideas and explain how they intend to address the challenges confronting the state and their constituencies.
It added that the exercise would help voters scrutinise the candidates’ plans before making their choices at the polls.
The council stressed that the debate would be organised without favouring any political party or candidate.
Rather, it said the objective was to deepen democratic participation, encourage issue-based campaigns and place policies and competence at the centre of the electoral process.
The Oyo NUJ said preparations were already underway to ensure that the debate would be professionally organised, transparent, credible and accessible to residents across the state.
The council said the initiative would create an opportunity for voters to hear directly from candidates and compare their positions on issues affecting the people.
To coordinate the initiative, the NUJ Oyo State Council has constituted a five-member Debate Committee to midwife the process.
The committee is expected to oversee the planning and organisation of the debate and ensure that the exercise reflects the principles of fairness, professionalism and credibility.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the NUJ said the debate would provide an important platform for Oyo voters to look beyond political affiliations and assess the people seeking their mandate on the strength of their ideas, plans and preparedness to govern.
