The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benue State Council, on Friday officially flagged off its NUJ Political Arena, a new platform designed to foster issue-based engagement between political actors and the electorate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event, held at the NUJ house, Makurdi, featured the APC Flag Bearer for Buruku Federal Constituency, Hon. Gideon Dooyum Inyom, as the first guest. He used the forum to present his blueprint for representation anchored on four pillars: security, human capital development, infrastructure/economic opportunity, and inclusion.
Addressing journalists, Inyom described the media as “custodians of public memory” whose work preserves history and strengthens democracy. He said his ambition was shaped by years in public service, development work, and political activism, with a conviction that Buruku’s people deserve better governance outcomes.
“What is your blueprint for Buruku?” he asked rhetorically, answering: “VISION. INNOVATION. IMPACT. Representation in the 21st century must go beyond plenary sessions. It must bridge local needs and national opportunities.”
Inyom argued that Buruku’s challenge was not a lack of potential, citing its fertile land, talented youths, vibrant women, and rich cultural heritage. “What we have often lacked is effective connectivity between our people and opportunities. My vision is to build that bridge,” he said.
He stressed that security must come first, noting that “no society develops under fear.” He added that developing human capital, improving infrastructure, and ensuring inclusion for women, youths, and vulnerable groups were central to his agenda. “Politics should not merely be about winning elections. Politics should be about solving problems,” he said.
Inyom expressed confidence in Buruku’s future: “The question is not whether we can build a better Buruku. The question is whether we are willing to work together to build it. I believe we can. I believe we must. And I believe our best days are still ahead of us.”
Declaring the forum open, the NUJ Benue State Council Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, urged all parties and candidates to embrace campaigns focused on ideas and solutions rather than personal ambition or divisive rhetoric. He said Benue deserved leaders with practical plans for insecurity, economic development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Comrade Ugber also charged journalists to uphold fairness, accuracy, and objectivity, stressing that “the media remains a critical pillar of democracy” and has a duty to guide voters toward credible representation.
The Chairman of the NUJ Public Forum Committee, Babs Usigbe, said the Political Arena would give candidates an opportunity to present their visions while allowing journalists to seek clarification on issues of public interest. He called for professionalism, mutual respect, and transparency during the interactions, noting that the platform was aimed at strengthening democratic values and helping voters make informed choices.
The NUJ parley with political office seekers is part of the union’s efforts to deepen democracy and ensure issue-based campaigns in Benue State.
