Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot
The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), has expressed its readiness to partner the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) towards the successful organisation of its proposed 2027 Election Debate.
This was disclosed shortly after a meeting between the NUJ Debate Planning Committee and the leadership of COOPA in Uyo on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The Chairman of the Debate Planning Committee, Comrade Ndanti Ekuh, accompanied by the Secretary, Comrade Nse-Abasi Valentine, told newsmen after the meeting that both bodies had agreed to collaborate to ensure the success and credibility of the debate.
According to Ekuh, the debate is an initiative of the Comrade Nsibiet John-led NUJ administration aimed at providing a credible platform for candidates seeking various elective offices in the 2027 general elections to present their programmes, policies and intentions to the people of Akwa Ibom State.
He stressed that the debate would be independent, transparent and unbiased, with a strong focus on issues affecting the people. He added that the organisers were committed to delivering a credible, issue-based and people-oriented engagement devoid of compromise or manipulation, with the event expected to attract national and international attention.
On his part, the Chancellor of COOPA, Mr. Utitofon Morgan, flanked by members of the association’s Executive Council, described the initiative as a welcome development, commending the NUJ for creating a platform where Akwa Ibom voters could listen directly to candidates seeking their mandate.
Morgan said the debate would provide an important opportunity for the electorate to assess the competence, ideas and policy direction of the various candidates before making informed choices at the polls.
He noted that the initiative was consistent with the responsibility of the media to promote accountability, informed citizenship and credible democratic participation, stressing that voters deserved to know what each candidate intended to offer in terms of leadership and development.
While pledging the full support and collaboration of COOPA and online publishers across the state, the Chancellor said the association was pleased to identify with the NUJ initiative and would actively participate in efforts to ensure a successful and impactful debate.
It could be recalled that the NUJ had earlier announced that the 2027 Election Debate would be formally unveiled on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during a press briefing scheduled to hold at the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, by 10:00 a.m.
