The Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers (ANDOP) is partnering with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South-South Zone, to organise political debates for candidates contesting the 2027 elections across the region.
The initiative is aimed at creating an accountability platform where governorship and National Assembly candidates from various political parties can present their programmes and respond to questions from citizens.
Discussions on the proposed debates have commenced between the two organisations, which plan to hold the events across the six South-South states.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the NUJ South-South Vice President, Opaka Dokubo, in Port Harcourt, ANDOP Founding President, Ofonime Umanah, said the association was committed to working with the NUJ to deliver credible and issue-based debates.
Umanah said the debates would enable voters to hear directly from candidates, assess their policies and competence, and make informed decisions at the polls.
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Dokubo welcomed the initiative and pledged the NUJ’s support for its implementation across the Niger Delta.
He commended ANDOP for promoting professionalism in online journalism and contributing to efforts to combat misinformation and fake news.
Dokubo also urged the association to establish mentorship programmes for young journalism graduates and help prevent unqualified practitioners from dominating online journalism in the region.
Umanah said the initiative formed part of ANDOP’s broader commitment to strengthening journalism, democratic participation and responsible political communication in the Niger Delta.
The delegation also included ANDOP Secretary, Celestine Ogolo, and Treasurer, Sir Lawson Hayford.
