The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has joined the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the planning of the 2027 election debate, bringing additional technical and professional expertise to the process.

The partnership, announced in Uyo on Monday by the Chairman of the Debate Planning Committee, Comrade Ndanti Ekuh, is expected to strengthen the credibility, objectivity and professional standards of the proposed debate ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ekuh said the planning committee was committed to creating a platform where candidates would have the opportunity to explain their policies and programmes directly to the electorate, while voters would be better positioned to assess the choices before them.

According to the statement, CJID Chief Executive Officer, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, said the collaboration with the NUJ would combine the technical capacity and professional experience of both organisations in delivering what he described as a credible and factual engagement across the various categories of the debate.

The CJID also commended the NUJ administration led by Comrade Nsibiet John for creating what it described as a level playing field for candidates seeking elective positions in Akwa Ibom State to present their programmes for public scrutiny.

Ekuh said the committee would ensure that candidates, political parties and other stakeholders participate in a process that leaves little room for doubt about the integrity of the debate.

He disclosed that invitation letters to candidates and stakeholders would be issued from Thursday, October 1, 2026, as part of the activities leading to the debate.

The partnership marks an additional step in the preparations for the 2027 electoral engagement, with organisers positioning the debate as a platform for voters to interrogate candidates’ policies and programmes before making their choices at the polls.