A former presidential candidate of the defunct African Renaissance Party, Yahaya Ndu, has called for a national policy debate involving President Bola Tinubu and leading political figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, to address Nigeria’s current challenges.
In a statement issued in Enugu, Ndu expressed concern over the country’s political climate, saying discussions are increasingly focused on future elections rather than governance. He urged key political actors to engage in a structured debate centred on practical solutions to issues such as insecurity and economic pressures.
Ndu, who said he organised one of Nigeria’s early presidential debates in 1992, proposed a formal platform for dialogue that would allow candidates and political leaders to present policy alternatives. He suggested the initiative could be institutionalised as a memorial debate in honour of nationalist and journalist Ernest Ikoli.
The politician also extended the invitation to other prominent figures, including Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, emphasising the need for inclusive participation across party lines.
He called on professional and socio-cultural organisations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Bar Association, and other national groups, to facilitate the proposed engagement.
Ndu said such a forum could help shift national discourse towards governance priorities and provide clarity on policy direction ahead of future elections.
