Debate Challenge Issued: Ex-Presidential Candidate Ndu Seeks Face-Off With Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi

In a statement released on Friday in Enugu, Ndu criticised both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and major opposition parties, accusing them of lacking clear ideological direction and focusing more on the 2027 elections than on governance and national development.

He argued that while insecurity and economic hardship continue to worsen, political leaders are largely preoccupied with election strategies rather than addressing urgent national issues.

Ndu, who claimed to have pioneered Nigeria’s first presidential debate in Enugu in 1992, challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and 2023 Labour Party candidate Peter Obi to participate in a comprehensive debate focused on practical solutions to Nigeria’s problems.

He said that over the years, he has observed that a large percentage of Nigerian politicians are more interested in winning elections than in delivering good governance. According to him, even political party conventions are now centred on defeating opponents rather than presenting clear policy directions.

He also criticised what he described as superficial political discussions on social media, particularly debates around whether Tinubu’s second term is guaranteed, saying such conversations distract from serious national issues.

Ndu proposed that a national debate be organised under the name “Ernest Ikoli Memorial Presidential Debate” in honour of late journalist and nationalist Ernest Ikoli, whom he said has not been properly recognised.

He further extended his debate challenge to other prominent politicians, including former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, insisting that such a platform is necessary to address Nigeria’s challenges, especially insecurity.

Ndu called on major national bodies such as the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Nigerian Bar Association, and other sociocultural and religious organisations to help organise the proposed debate.

He warned that Nigeria’s continued decline could have serious consequences for the African continent, stressing that the country must not be allowed to fail.