A coalition comprising civil society groups and media institutions in Bauchi State has announced arrangements for a two-day dialogue session involving senatorial candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections. Scheduled for December 2 and 3 within the Bauchi metropolis, the engagement—tagged The People's Mandate Dialogue 2026—aims to provide a platform for flagbearers to articulate their manifestos and address direct inquiries from the electorate.
Nicholas Afeso Oshojah, Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, revealed these details in an official statement, emphasizing that the project is tailored to drive issue-focused political campaigns and reinforce transparency between constituents and their elected officials.
Who is organising the dialogue?
The initiative is a collaborative effort by multiple entities, including the Young Leaders Network (YLN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bauchi State Council, Albarka Radio, BASNEC, Thamani, HnG Media Consultancy, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), alongside other civic partners.
According to Oshojah, aspirants vying for the Bauchi North, Bauchi Central, and Bauchi South senatorial seats will interact with members of the public on pressing socio-economic concerns. Key thematic areas slated for discussion include education, healthcare delivery, security, agricultural development, job creation, infrastructural decay, poverty alleviation, and prudent management of public funds.
Furthermore, the deliberations will spotlight the legislative agendas of the contestants, with emphasis on lawmaking efficacy, budgetary oversight responsibilities, and effective representation at the National Assembly.
What are the selection criteria for participating parties?
Oshojah noted that inquiries sourced directly from local communities and documented citizens' expectations will form the core framework for the interactive sessions. To ensure enduring public accountability, the positions and voluntary pledges made by the candidates will be formally recorded and tracked post-election.
Six political platforms have met the eligibility threshold to participate: the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Action Democratic Party (ADP). Eligibility was strictly determined by parties presenting candidates across all three senatorial districts and the twelve House of Representatives constituencies in the state.
Stressing the independence of the platform, Oshojah maintained that the exercise remains completely non-partisan, devoid of sponsorship or influence from any political camp, candidate, or government body. He affirmed that the organising committee would reject any financial or material assistance from participating political parties or contenders.
He clarified that the forum is not structured to endorse, favour, or rate any candidate, but rather to empower voters with information and encourage substantive political debates. Stakeholders and political actors have been urged to embrace the project, while specifics regarding the venue and logistics will be communicated subsequently.