In a groundbreaking initiative, the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced the selection of four candidates to participate in the first-ever gubernatorial election debate in the state.

The candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) were chosen through an online voting system.

The debate, scheduled to take place in partnership with the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and the Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG), aims to provide voters with a deeper understanding of the candidates’ positions on critical issues affecting the state.

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To ensure inclusivity, candidates may be allowed to address the audience in their local dialects to cater to the rural population. The debate will be broadcast live on various media platforms, enabling citizens to make informed decisions ahead of the September 21 election.

The Edo NUJ Election Debate Committee Chair, Bisi Akpaida, urged political parties and their agents to conduct peaceful campaigns and encouraged stakeholders, including INEC and security agencies, to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.