Oyelade Urges Guber Candidates to Submit to Public Scrutiny Ahead of Elections
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has commended 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.
The NUJ appointed Ambassador Olayinka Agboola as chairman of the committee, with Oluseye Ojo as secretary. Other members are Oyebukola Oriowo, Omolola Alamu and Olusoji Ajibola.
In a statement from his office, Oyelade said the debate would provide candidates with an opportunity to answer questions about their plans and defend their promises to the electorate.
He said the initiative would promote democratic participation and encourage voters to make informed choices.
“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.
Oyelade said candidates should not rely on public emotions or avoid debates while seeking electoral victory.
He urged the NUJ Oyo State Council to make participation in the debate mandatory for all candidates, particularly those seeking the governorship.
The commissioner also said any gubernatorial candidate who fails to attend the debate should be subjected to public scrutiny over the decision to stay away.