The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Akwa Ibom State has organised a governorship debate for candidates ahead of the 2027 election, with Governor Umo Eno and other candidates indicating their willingness to participate. The debate, scheduled for December 9-11 at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo, aims to provide a platform for candidates to present their policies and development plans directly to voters. Several media, civic, academic, and development organisations have partnered with the NUJ to support the debate.
The debate has attracted the support of prominent organisations, including the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), University of Uyo, YIAGA Africa, and Enough is Enough Nigeria. These partnerships are expected to provide technical, professional, academic, and civic support for the debate, ensuring a credible and factual engagement. The Chairman of the Debate Planning Committee, Ndanti Ekuh, announced the CJID partnership, stating that it would strengthen the credibility and objectivity of the exercise.
Governor Umo Eno, who won the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), has proposed an ARISE 2.0 agenda for a possible second term. He has publicly expressed his readiness to participate in political debates ahead of the election. Other candidates participating in the debate include John Akpanudoedehe of the African Democratic Congress, Michael Bush of the Labour Party, Samuel Coffie of the PDP, and Jeremiah Akpan of the Democratic Leadership Alliance.
The debate is expected to address major questions about the state’s economic direction, infrastructure, employment, healthcare, education, agriculture, security, and investment. One issue likely to attract attention is the Ibom Deep Sea Port, a major economic priority for Eno’s administration. The project, currently at the Full Business Case and procurement stage, has featured prominently in discussions about Akwa Ibom’s economic future.
Employment is another issue likely to feature prominently during the debate, particularly given the state’s young population and the importance attached to large-scale investments as a means of expanding economic opportunities. The candidates will be expected to provide answers on how they intend to create productive jobs, attract private investment, and expand opportunities for young people. The debate will also cover education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, security, industrialisation, and the management of public resources.
The growing number of organisations involved in the debate has placed greater attention on issues of fairness, neutrality, candidate participation, and the credibility of the questions and answers presented to voters. Invitations to candidates and stakeholders will commence on October 1, marking the next phase of preparations for the debate. The NUJ has assured that the exercise is designed to give candidates a platform to present their policies while allowing the electorate to scrutinise their positions on issues affecting the state.
The Clement Isong Foundation, a youth-led public policy organisation, and the University of Uyo have partnered with the NUJ to support the debate. The University of Uyo’s Vice Chancellor, Christopher Ekong, stated that the university’s participation could strengthen political awareness, public participation, and accountability ahead of the election. The involvement of these organisations adds a policy and civic-engagement dimension to the initiative, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging debate.
Key points
- Governor Umo Eno and other governorship candidates in Akwa Ibom State have agreed to participate in a debate organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) ahead of the 2027 election.
- The debate, scheduled for December 9-11, aims to provide a platform for candidates to present their policies and development plans directly to voters.
- Several media, civic, academic, and development organisations have partnered with the NUJ to support the debate, ensuring a credible and factual engagement.
