Honeyland Schools, Lagos, champions of the Lagos Regional Finals, have defeated Venocrest Schools, Eneka, Port Harcourt, in the second debate of Group A at the Nigeria Info I Beg To Differ Season 9 National Finals.
Honeyland Schools was represented by Osagiede Omoregie Joseph and Apegi Precious, while Venocrest Schools was represented by Clifford Mary-Jane Oluwatoyosi and Sarimiye Diana Tamara-Priye.
The teams debated the motion, “Independent Candidates Improve Elections.”
Arguing in favour of the motion, Honeyland Schools said independent candidates could break the dominance of political parties and reduce barriers to political participation.
The team pointed to the high cost of political party nomination forms in Nigeria, noting that presidential nomination forms in the 2023 election cycle reached as much as ₦100 million.
They further argued that elected independent candidates would be more accountable to their constituents because they would not be answerable to party leaders or internal caucuses.
On the other hand, Venocrest Schools, argued against the motion, saying that established political parties remain essential to the functioning of electoral democracy.
The team cited Nigeria's experience with independent candidacy under the 1963 Electoral Act, arguing that the system was eventually removed in 1979 because of operational challenges.
It warned that an independent candidate who wins office could face difficulties working with a legislature dominated by established political parties, potentially leaving the candidate politically isolated.
After the presentation, rebuttal and closing rounds, the panel of adjudicators awarded the victory to Honeyland Schools by a split decision.
Honeyland scored 82 points, while Venocrest Schools scored 76 points. The audience vote, however, ended in a 50-50 tie.
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