Enough is Enough Nigeria in conjunction with Osun Pro-Democracy Youth (OPDY), and LYNX Nigeria set to host a televised debate on Sunday, August 3rd at the Leisure Spring Hotel, Iwo/Ibadan Expressway, Osogbo.
Osun’s governorship election on Saturday August 9, 2014 is the second election in the 2014/2015 election season and there are 20 candidates vying for the position of Governor and four candidates were invited to participate in the debate based on the results of an online poll.
In a statement Jointly issued by the organizations, the incumbent governor Ogbeni Rauf AREGBESOLA, of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Senator Iyiola OMISORE of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Alhaji Fatai AKINBADE of the Labour Party (LP); and Social Democratic Party (SDP) flagbearer, Elder Segun AKINWUSI are expected to join in.
A fifth candidate, Mr Ibrahim ADEOTI of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) was invited on the basis of being the youngest of the 20 candidates at 42 years old.
At this time, Senator Iyiola Omisore of the PDP is the only candidate that has not formally responded on his participation.
Describing the critical importance of the debate, the Executive Director of LYNX said, “Youth represent 70% of Nigeria’s population yet their issues are not adequately represented in the national and local agenda. Youth development issues are integral to the development of a community and a nation.”
The host organisations are committed to growing the culture of debates in Nigeria because issues-based politics is essential to a leadership that serves its citizens. Candidates are expected to make public their plans for Osun youth with special focus on education, employment, enterprise & empowerment. The debate provides an opportunity for candidates to engage the audience on these issues, which are of critical importance to young people in the state. In addition to prepared questions on these topics, questions will also be taken from the audience as well as via SMS, Twitter and Facebook.
“This is the first debate in Osun’s 23 year-old history and Osun residents, especially young people are encouraged to avail themselves of the opportunity to decide their own fate based on the facts.” Said Maruf Adewole, the Secretary of OPDY.
Responding to concerns about safety, ‘Yemi Adamolekun, the Executive Director of EiE Nigeria said, “Security will be provided with the support of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Security (DSS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and private security to ensure that fears around security are unfounded.” In addition, as a non-partisan event, political party clothing or materials will NOT be allowed in the venue.
The debate is endorsed by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) and will be broadcast in partnership with Channels Television and Osun State Broadcasting Service (OSBC). It is also supported by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA Osun), Leisure Spring Hotel and YNAIJA.
The debate is free and open to the public.
