A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as the Centre for Media Dialogue Initiative (CMDI), in collaboration with the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Monday convened an election democratic dialogue involving candidates vying for various political positions in next year’s general election.

The dialogue focused on the right of voters to look beyond slogans and manifestos, and assess candidates based on capacity and accountability.

The Democratic Dialogue has its theme, “Beyond the Manifesto: Ebonyi 2027 Election, the People Interrogation of Next Leadership

Addressing participants on the occasion, the Programme Director of the organisation, Mr Igwe Eze Chikodiri, said that the discourse focused on the democracy needs before an election.

The Director reiterated that a manifesto discloses what a candidate promised, stating that democracy requires going further to ascertain the problem and the proposed solution.

“The purpose of this dialogue is to create a credible, respectful and non-partisan space where ideas can be presented, questions can be asked, perspectives can be examined, and citizens can become better informed”

“Elections are often presented as a contest of parties, personalities, slogans and manifestos; beyond this exists a more fundamental question: who is prepared to lead, and what exactly are the people being asked to entrust to that leadership”

Earlier, in an address delivered by the representative of the Head of Department, Voter Education, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ebonyi State, Mrs Esther Idam, restated that the commission was determined to get things right in the forthcoming election.

“We are here for the discourse because we want to get it right; the commission is ready to conduct a free and credible election”

Responding to questions from participants, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ebonyi State Chief Ifeanyi Odii, represented by Mr Emma Igwe, assured the people that his administration will transform the economic fortunes of the state if elected.

In a remark, the State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mrs Jennifer Adibe, noted that oftentimes political parties have coordinated manifestos but lack effective leadership.

The party Chairman urged the masses to strive and hold political office holders accountable, stating that the forthcoming election will be on personalities rather than political parties.

High points of the event were the Panel session, where candidates were engaged in constructive brainstorming/ interrogation and deep conversation to enable the electorates make better choices during the election.

The event had in attendance chairmen of various political parties, candidates, representatives of INEC, journalists, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, electoral stakeholders, women, youth groups and other critical voices, among others.