Nigeria Debate Consortium To Hold Lagos Governorship Debate November 8

The Nigeria Debate Consortium, a coalition of five Nigerian media organisations, will begin its series of debates ahead of the 2027 general elections with the Lagos governorship debate on Sunday, November 8.

The debate, scheduled for 7pm, will hold at The Hub by IALA, House of His Glory, Plot 18, Providence Road, Marwa, Lekki, Lagos.

The consortium comprises Channels Television, TVC News, Punch Newspaper, TheCable and Vanguard Newspaper.

In a statement announcing the event, the organisers said the debate would provide governorship candidates with a platform to outline their programmes, defend their policy positions and address issues affecting residents of the state.

The discussion will cover key areas, including transportation, infrastructure, security, housing, education, healthcare, job creation and economic growth.

The consortium said the initiative was designed to help voters assess the candidates’ priorities and preparedness to govern ahead of the election.

Channels Television said the debate reflects the responsibility of the media to promote informed electoral choices and democratic accountability.

“Voters deserve more than campaign promises; they deserve clear answers, credible plans and an opportunity to assess those seeking their mandate,” the organisation said.

It added that the debate would put “issues, ideas and the future of Lagos at the centre of the electoral conversation”.

TVC News also stressed the importance of issue-based discussions, saying candidates must demonstrate how they intend to implement their campaign promises.

“A governorship debate is an opportunity for candidates to move beyond political rhetoric and demonstrate the substance of their vision for Lagos,” the consortium quoted the organisation as saying.

The organisers said the debate would be guided by fairness, neutrality, equal opportunity and editorial independence, with all participating candidates subject to the same rules, speaking times and moderation standards.

Experienced journalists will moderate the event, which will be broadcast to national and digital audiences through the platforms of the participating media organisations.

The consortium urged Lagos residents, particularly eligible voters, young people, civil society organisations, professional groups and members of the business community, to follow the debate and engage with the issues shaping the state’s future.

The Lagos governorship debate will open the consortium’s series of engagements in selected battleground states ahead of the 2027 elections, culminating in a presidential debate and town hall.

Among the major contenders for the Lagos governorship seat are Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).