A politician and former presidential candidate of the defunct African Renaissance Party, Yahaya Ndu, has described Nigeria as a “failed state,” citing worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
In a statement issued Friday in Enugu, Ndu criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition parties, accusing them of lacking clear ideology and focusing more on the 2027 elections than governance.
Ndu, who organized Nigeria’s first presidential debate in Enugu in 1992, challenged President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi to a debate on practical solutions to the country’s challenges.
The president of the Peoples Movement for a New Nigeria said political discussions are dominated by election strategies rather than governance.
“I have been watching the Nigerian political terrain since 1992, and my opinion is that over 90% of our politicians do not care about good governance. All they are interested in is how to win elections,” he said.
Ndu criticized recent party conventions, saying they focused on defeating political opponents rather than addressing national issues. He also described as “shameful” ongoing social media debates about a potential second term for Tinubu while the country faces what he called “multifaceted challenges.”
He proposed a national dialogue to be structured as the “Ernest Ikoli Memorial Presidential Debate,” in honor of Ernest Ikoli.
Ndu extended his call for debate to former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
“What is needed now is a robust debate among all political parties and presidential aspirants on practical solutions, beginning with insecurity,” he said.
He urged professional and socio-cultural groups, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Bar Association, Christian Association of Nigeria, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum and PANDEF to organize the dialogue.
Ndu warned that Nigeria must not be allowed to fail, saying the consequences would extend beyond the country to the rest of Africa.
