Governor Umo Eno and other governorship candidates in Akwa Ibom State have shown interest in joining an election debate organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The debate has gained support from several media, civic, academic, and development groups. These include the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), University of Uyo, YIAGA Africa, Enough is Enough Nigeria, PIND Foundation, Clement Isong Foundation, Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom (COOPA), Akwa Ibom Decides, and Governor Amunike (Kevin Black).
This growing partnership aims to provide technical and professional support for the debate and encourage more public participation.
The debate is set for December 9 to 11 at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo. The governorship candidates will take the stage on December 9.
Candidates for other positions are expected to join later sessions.
The NUJ stated that the debate will give candidates a chance to present their policies and plans directly to voters. This will also let voters ask questions about issues that matter in the state.
The Nation newspaper reported that Mr Eno and other candidates have confirmed they will attend the debate, according to the NUJ Chairman in Akwa Ibom, Nsibiet John.
On Monday in Uyo, the Chairman of the Debate Planning Committee, Ndanti Ekuh, announced the CJID partnership. He said this collaboration would enhance the credibility and professionalism of the debate.
Mr Ekuh added that the aim is to create a fair platform for candidates and provide voters with useful information about their plans before the election.
CJID Chief Executive Officer, Dapo Olorunyomi, said the partnership will combine the expertise of both organizations to ensure a credible engagement during the debate.
The Clement Isong Foundation describes itself as a youth-led public policy group focused on civic engagement, policy reforms, and social justice. Its involvement adds a civic engagement angle to the debate.
The University of Uyo’s participation is expected to bring academic insights. The Vice Chancellor, Christopher Ekong, said their role could boost political awareness and public participation ahead of the election.
Apart from Mr Eno of the All Progressives Congress (APC), other candidates include John Akpanudoedehe of the African Democratic Congress, Michael Bush of the Labour Party, Samuel Coffie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Jeremiah Akpan of the Democratic Leadership Alliance.
Mr Eno won the 2023 governorship election on the PDP ticket but later switched to the APC. He is now the APC candidate for the 2027 election and has launched an ARISE 2.0 agenda for a second term. He has also expressed readiness to join political debates ahead of the election.
For the candidates, the debate is a chance to discuss key issues like the state’s economy, infrastructure, job creation, healthcare, education, agriculture, security, and investment.
One major topic likely to come up is the Ibom Deep Sea Port, which has been a hot topic in talks about Akwa Ibom’s economic future.
The state government says the federal government has approved the port project. They also claim land acquisition, environmental assessment, and preliminary studies are complete. The project is in the Full Business Case and procurement stage.
Mr Eno’s administration lists the port as a major economic goal.
In April, the governor said his government funded a feasibility study, prepared investor documents, built an access road, and carried out geophysical studies.
In June, Mr Eno met with Africa Global Logistics in Paris, where they reviewed the completed technical feasibility report and discussed investment and project sustainability.
He called for clear timelines and milestones to move the project towards execution.
Employment is another key issue expected to arise in the debate. This is crucial, especially for the state’s young population and the need for large investments to create job opportunities.
The numbers highlight the need for candidates to explain how they plan to create jobs, attract investments, and expand opportunities for young people.
Beyond employment and the seaport, candidates will also face questions on education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, security, industrialization, and public resource management.
With many organizations involved in the debate, there will be a stronger focus on fairness, neutrality, candidate participation, and the credibility of the questions posed to voters.
Mr Ekuh announced that invitations to candidates and stakeholders will start on October 1, marking the next step in preparing for the debate.
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