A former presidential candidate of the defunct African Renaissance Party, Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, has challenged President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, Peter Obi, to a public debate on solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
Ndu, in a statement issued on Friday in Enugu, expressed concern over the state of the nation, describing Nigeria as being in crisis across multiple sectors.
He criticised both the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition parties, accusing political actors of prioritising electoral victories ahead of governance amid rising insecurity and economic hardship.
The politician, who organised Nigeria’s first presidential debate in Enugu in 1992, said the current political discourse is dominated by discussions on the 2027 elections rather than addressing pressing national issues.
“I have closely followed Nigeria’s political landscape since 1992, and it is clear that many politicians are more focused on winning elections than delivering good governance,” he said.
Ndu faulted recent political activities across party lines, alleging that they were largely driven by strategies to secure electoral advantage rather than policy direction.
He also criticised ongoing debates on social media regarding the 2027 elections, describing them as misplaced in view of the country’s prevailing challenges.
The former presidential candidate proposed a structured national dialogue to be known as the Ernest Ikoli Memorial Presidential Debate, in honour of the late nationalist and journalist.
He extended his call for participation to other prominent political figures, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
According to him, the proposed debate should focus on practical solutions to key issues, particularly insecurity and economic instability.
Ndu urged professional bodies and socio-cultural organisations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Bar Association, Christian Association of Nigeria and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, to facilitate the initiative.
He also called on groups such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, the Arewa Consultative Forum and PANDEF to support efforts aimed at fostering constructive dialogue.
Warning of the broader implications of Nigeria’s challenges, Ndu said failure to address the country’s problems could have serious consequences for the African continent.
He stressed the need for urgent collective action to stabilise the nation and restore confidence in governance.
