By Chinedu Adonu

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, has inaugurated a Media Chat Committee to engage political office seekers and create a platform for public scrutiny of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative is designed to give aspirants from various political parties the opportunity to present their manifestos, outline their governance plans and demonstrate their preparedness for public office, with the aim of promoting credible leadership at both state and national levels.

Inaugurating the committee at the NUJ Secretariat in Enugu on Wednesday, the State Chairman of the union, Obinna Ogbuka, said the media chat programme would help assess the competence, capacity and commitment of individuals seeking elective positions.

He said the platform would enable journalists and members of the public to interrogate candidates’ policies, programmes and leadership qualities, thereby encouraging informed voting and strengthening democratic governance.

According to him, the committee was established to ensure that aspirants are subjected to public scrutiny before elections.

“This committee was created to ensure that those seeking to lead our people prove they are worthy of the responsibility. Those aspiring for elective positions must demonstrate the capacity and competence required for leadership,” Ogbuka said.

He urged the committee to ensure equal opportunity for all candidates to engage the public and present their visions for governance.

“It will no longer be business as usual. Those who are not qualified to lead should not emerge through the electoral process without being subjected to public scrutiny,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the committee, its chairman, Emmanuel Ugwueze, thanked the NUJ leadership for the confidence placed in them and pledged to carry out the assignment with professionalism and diligence.

He said the initiative would help educate the public on their political rights and encourage informed decision-making during elections.

The committee includes journalists from various media organisations such as the Daily Post, The Guardian, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Vanguard, TVC, Dream FM, and NTA, among others.