2027: Ndu Challenges Tinubu, Atiku, Obi to 'Ernest Ikoli' Presidential Debate

In a bold bid to force substantive policy discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Founder and National Chairman of the deregistered African Renaissance Party (ARP), Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, has challenged Nigeria’s top political heavyweights to a "thorough debate" on the nation's future.

Naming the proposed encounter the "1st Ernest Ikoli Memorial Presidential Debate," Ndu called out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, among others, to present practical solutions to the country's multifaceted crises.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Ndu expressed grave concern over what he described as a vacuum of ideas in the current political landscape. He noted that while aspirants are already soliciting support to govern a nation of over 200 million people, they have failed to articulate how to lead Nigeria "out of the woods."

"What is needed now is a robust debate amongst all political parties and presidential aspirants on practical solutions to the challenges confronting Nigeria beginning with that of insecurity," Ndu stated.

The politician, an indigene of Enugu Neke Oghe in Enugu State, extended the challenge to: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar or his campaign representative, Mr. Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi and all National Chairmen of registered political parties.

Ndu appealed to a broad coalition of socio-cultural and professional organizations to organize the debate, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

He emphasized that the primary goal is not political grandstanding but the harvesting of viable ideas to rescue the country. "What is more important is not who performs so well in the exercise but the [making] available ideas for solving the numerous challenges," he added.

The debate is dedicated to the memory of Ernest Sisei Ikoli (1899–1960), an Ijaw-born pioneer journalist and nationalist. Ndu described Ikoli as an "extraordinary Nigerian hero" whom the nation has failed to immortalize despite his foundational role in the struggle for Nigerian independence.