The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has inaugurated a five-member committee to coordinate political debates for candidates seeking elective offices in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The initiative, which the union has described as the “Mother of All Debates,” is designed to promote issue-based political discourse and provide voters with the opportunity to assess candidates, their policies and development agendas.
The committee was inaugurated on Monday at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, with Ambassador Olayinka Agboola appointed as Chairman and Comrade Seye Ojo as Secretary. Other members include Comrades Soji Ajibola, Omolola Alamu and Bukola Oriowo.
Speaking at the inauguration, the NUJ Oyo State Council Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abas, represented by the State Secretary, Comrade Dayo Adu, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to organising an inclusive and impartial debate that would accommodate candidates across recognised political parties.
He noted that the NUJ, as a non-partisan professional body, was suitably positioned to provide a credible platform where aspirants could present their programmes and engage directly with the electorate.
“Looking at the political arena in Oyo State at the moment, it is crystal clear that NUJ stands at a very good stance to organise this political debate for all categories of candidates across different political parties that are recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” he said.
Abas tasked the committee with ensuring a transparent, credible and seamless process, emphasising the importance of strategic collaborations and media partnerships in achieving the project’s objectives.
He further stressed the need for strict adherence to journalistic ethics, neutrality and fairness, urging the committee to guarantee equal opportunities for all eligible candidates to communicate their visions to the people.
In his response, Agboola expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Oyo NUJ for the confidence placed in the committee, describing the assignment as a significant responsibility that required dedication and professionalism.
He assured candidates contesting various elective positions that the debate would offer them an impartial platform to present their policies and connect with voters, adding that the schedule for the exercise would be announced soon.
According to him, the debates would extend beyond campaign speeches by encouraging direct interaction between candidates and the electorate, allowing citizens to seek clarification and evaluate proposed solutions to issues affecting their communities.
Agboola added that the committee would engage relevant stakeholders, media organisations and strategic partners to ensure the debates are well coordinated, accessible to the public and centred on critical governance issues.
He explained that the initiative reflects the media’s responsibility to deepen democratic participation by equipping voters with essential information to make informed decisions during the 2027 general elections.
, Oyo State Council, has inaugurated a five-member committee to coordinate political debates for candidates seeking elective offices in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.){kind=link}