The 2027 Akwa Ibom Election Debate is gaining wider institutional support as the Clement Isong Foundation has joined the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, as a partner for the initiative.

The debate, being organised by the NUJ State Council, is designed to provide voters with an opportunity to scrutinise candidates, their policies and development plans ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an acceptance letter to the Chairman of the Debate Planning Committee, Comrade Ndanti Ekuh, made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr Elkanah Oluyori, expressed its willingness to support the initiative, describing the debate as a welcome development.

Oluyori said the Foundation was pleased to be associated with an initiative capable of promoting informed electoral choices and strengthening public engagement with political candidates.

Speaking with newsmen in Uyo, Ekuh said the growing support from reputable organisations had strengthened the committee’s resolve to deliver a credible and impactful debate.

In his words, “With the calibre of partners that the committee has attracted so far, we are confident that the debate will be a record-breaking event that will positively change the election narrative in Akwa Ibom State.”

Ekuh also assured stakeholders that the committee would maintain professionalism, neutrality and fairness throughout the process, stressing that the debate would be strictly issue-based and designed to give all participating candidates a level playing field.

“We are committed to an unbiased and issue-based debate. The committee will remain professional and neutral before, during and after the debate,” he said.

VVCWATCH believes growing partnership is expected to strengthen the credibility of the debate and enhance its capacity to provide voters with relevant information for evaluating candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.