To ensure equal opportunity is given to all the governorship standard bearers in the upcoming November 11 poll in Imo State, a coalition of media practitioners and other non-state actors have formed an association known as Imo Public Media Coalition (IPMEC). The association has, therefore, fixed October 26 for a political debate for the candidates.
  
The body, also working with 17 radio and television stations in the state, would ensure live transmission of the debate. It would also play a part in voter education in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
   
Addressing a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) complex, Owerri, at the weekend, the Chairman of the coalition, Christian Nwokocha, accompanied by the Secretary, Dominic Cosmos Iorkase; the President of the National Association of Radio and Television Presenters of Nigeria (NARTPON), Jerry Osuji; the Imo State Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ever; a fellow of the NIPR, Prince Ford Ozumba; an official of the Imo State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Emma Odibo, and a representative of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), among others, said the coalition is synergising to co-practice and deliver results to the larger society.