2027: Oyo NUJ Sets Candidates’ Debate In Motion, Names 5-Member Committee

By Victoria Isaac 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has formally begun preparations for its proposed 2027 political debates, with the inauguration of a five-member committee tasked with organising the exercise for candidates contesting elective positions in the state.

The committee was inaugurated on Monday, 28 September 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, as the union moves to create a common platform where candidates can present their programmes and respond to issues of public concern ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The committee is chaired by Ambassador Olayinka Agboola, with Comrade Seye Ojo serving as Secretary. Other members are Comrades Soji Ajibola, Omolola Alamu and Bukola Oriowo.

The initiative, which the Oyo NUJ has described as the “Mother of All Debates,” is intended to give candidates an opportunity to engage directly with voters on their programmes, policy proposals and plans for the state and their respective constituencies.

Inaugurating the committee, the Chairman of the Oyo NUJ Council, Comrade Akeem Abas, represented by the State Secretary, Comrade Dayo Adu, said the union was committed to providing a credible and level platform for candidates across recognised political parties.

Abas said the NUJ, as an apolitical professional body, was positioned to facilitate a debate that would allow candidates to communicate their programmes directly to the people of Oyo State.

“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.

He charged the committee to ensure a credible and hitch-free process, while seeking strong media and strategic partnerships to broaden the reach of the initiative.

The NUJ chairman also stressed the need for neutrality and professional standards, urging the committee to ensure equal opportunities for candidates from recognised political parties to present their programmes to the electorate.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Agboola thanked the Oyo NUJ leadership for the confidence reposed in its members and described the assignment as a significant responsibility.

He pledged that the committee would approach the task with professionalism, fairness and commitment to the interests of the people of Oyo State.

Agboola said candidates across recognised political parties and different elective positions would be given an opportunity to communicate their programmes to voters through the NUJ platform, adding that the timetable for the debates would be released soon.

He said the debates would enable voters to hear directly from candidates, ask questions and examine their plans for their constituencies, senatorial districts and the state.

According to him, the exercise would go beyond providing candidates with another campaign platform, as it would create room for substantive engagement on issues affecting the people.

Agboola added that the committee would collaborate with relevant stakeholders, media organisations and strategic partners to ensure that the debates were professionally organised and widely accessible.

The Oyo NUJ had earlier said the proposed debate would involve candidates for governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives seats, with the initiative intended to promote issue-based political discourse and give voters access to information about candidates and their policy positions.