The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dọtun Oyelade, has lauded the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Council for constituting a committee to organise a public debate for political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NUJ named Ambassador Olayinka Agboola as chairman of the committee, while Mr. Oluseye Ojo will be secretary. Other members are Mrs. Oyebukola Oriowo, Mrs. Omolola Alamu, and Mr Olusoji Ajibola.
In a statement emanating from his office, Oyelade said by providing an atmosphere for candidates to field questions on their intentions and in defence of their promises to the people, the NUJ Oyo State Council is fostering the ideals of democracy and extending the barriers of good governance through the choices of credible candidates.
“What the NUJ has done is to activate one of its principal mandates as the fourth estate of the realm to excite public interest in democratic exercise,” he said.
The commissioner added that it is a circumvention of democratic tenet for anyone to believe that he can ride on the emotions of the masses, avoid the discomfort of a debate, and get victory through the back door.
Prince Oyelade therefore urged the council to make it mandatory for all candidates, particularly the gubernatorial candidates, to submit themselves to the scrutiny of the debate and allow the public to choose wisely.
He suggested that any gubernatorial candidate who defaults by being absent at the public debate must not only be reported to the court of public opinion but also be labelled as a barrier to democratic development.
Packaged by Temitayo Afolabi
