As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Bauchi State has announced plans to host a two-day citizens’ dialogue that will bring senatorial candidates face-to-face with voters to discuss their programmes and legislative priorities.

The People’s Mandate Dialogue 2026, scheduled for December 2 and 3 in Bauchi metropolis, is designed to provide an opportunity for citizens to question candidates contesting for the three senatorial seats in the state.

The initiative is being organised by the Young Leaders Network (YLN), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, Albarka Radio (BASNEC), Thamani, HnG Media Consultancy, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other partner organisations.

The Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Nicholas Afeso Oshojah, disclosed this in a statement issued on October 29, 2026.

He said the dialogue was designed to move political discussions beyond party affiliations, personalities and general campaign promises by encouraging candidates to explain how they intend to address the needs of their constituencies through effective legislation.

According to him, discussions will centre on critical sectors, including education, healthcare, security, agriculture, employment, infrastructure, poverty reduction, youth and women’s inclusion, as well as transparency in the management of public resources.

He said candidates would be expected to explain how they intend to deploy their constitutional responsibilities, particularly lawmaking, budgetary processes, legislative oversight and constituency representation, to tackle the challenges confronting their communities.

Oshojah added that citizens’ questions and documented community priorities, including existing Community Charters of Demand, would shape the discussions.

He explained that the programme would also document candidates’ positions and voluntary commitments to provide a reference point for sustained public engagement with elected representatives after the 2027 elections.

The organisers said the engagement would initially focus on senatorial candidates from Bauchi North, Bauchi Central and Bauchi South, while arrangements for House of Representatives candidates would be announced separately.

They called on participating candidates to use the platform to present practical ideas and demonstrate their understanding of the responsibilities attached to the offices they seek.

The committee maintained that the dialogue was not intended to endorse or rank candidates but to promote informed voter participation and strengthen accountability between elected representatives and their constituents.

It urged political parties and candidates to embrace peaceful and issue-based political engagement ahead of the elections.