By NewsDESK –
The Governorship candidate for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe and the Labour Party, LP, flag bearer, Michael Bush have received official invitation to the 2027 Governorship Election Debate slated for Wednesday 9th December, 2026 at the NUJ Press Center, Uyo by 6:00pm.
The Chairman of the Debate Planning Committee, Comrade Ndanti Ekuh presented the invitation letters and other debate materials to the duo over the weekend when the committee paid a consultative visit to the candidates in Uyo, the state capital.
Speaking shortly before the presentations, Ekuh said the invitation signals official invitation to the candidates and public notification of the committee’s call on the candidates to take the stage and tell Akwa Ibom people and the electorates why they should be voted as Governor in the 2027 election.
The invitation letter reads in part: “We write to inform you that the Akwa Ibom 2027 Election Debate organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists has been slated for Wednesday, 9th – Friday 11th December, 2026. Specifically, the Governorship election debate will take place on Wednesday 9th December, 2026 by 6:00pm at the NUJ Press Center, Information Drive of IBB Way, Uyo. In view of the above, the Debate Planning Committee hereby wishes to invite you to debate with Governorship Candidates from other political parties in Akwa Ibom State. The Debate is a professional, non-partisan, credible and issue-driven platform provided by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council through which you are expected to directly communicate the programmes and policies you have for Akwa Ibom State should you win the 2027 Governorship election and to also respond to questions concerning the development of Akwa Ibom State. This, in turn, will provide journalists, academics, civil society organizations, professional groups, young people, women, persons with disabilities and ordinary citizens an opportunity to scrutinize you and other candidates before making electoral choices.”
Addressing the candidates after the presentation, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Nsibiet John urged them to take advantage of the debate and engage the electorates, stressing that the debate will shape the narrative of the 2027 election and guide the electorates on who to vote and not to vote.
He commended them for the courage to step into the guber poll and also for opening their door to the Debate Committee, urging them to ensure issue-based engagement throughout the debate and in their respective campaigns.
It could be recalled that the committee had earlier announced that the debate will also feature House of Assembly lection debate, House of Representatives election debate and Senatorial election debate.