The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has commenced preparations for a historic “Mother of All Debates” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The debate is expected to bring together candidates contesting the governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives seats in Oyo State.
The initiative is aimed at providing a credible platform for candidates to present their manifestos, programmes, policy directions, and vision to the electorate.
The council said the debate would enable voters to make informed decisions based on issues, competence, character, capacity, and demonstrable understanding of governance.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman Mr Akeem Abas and the Secretary Temidayo Adu, the initiative would reinforce the media’s constitutional responsibility of promoting accountability, transparency, and issue-based political discourse.
The NUJ said arrangements were being made to ensure that the debate would be professionally organised, transparent, credible, and accessible to the people of Oyo State.
According to the council, the debate will provide candidates with equal opportunities to articulate their positions while allowing the electorate to scrutinise their plans for development.
The union stressed that the initiative would not be organised to favour any political party or candidate, but to deepen democratic participation and issue-based campaigns.
To ensure the successful organisation of the debate, the council has constituted a five-member NUJ Debate Committee to midwife the process.
