Dr. Nick Ngwanyam, distinguished surgeon, educator, and founder of the St. Louis Clinic and University Institute, has put forward a bold proposal that could redefine Cameroonian politics.
Known primarily for his contributions to healthcare and education, Dr. Ngwanyam is stepping into the national political conversation by calling for a public debate between himself, standing in support of President Paul Biya, and the single opposition candidate expected to emerge from coalition efforts.
The envisioned debate would break new ground in Cameroon’s political culture, where open confrontations of ideas between ruling party representatives and opposition leaders are rare. Dr. Ngwanyam suggests a public setting where both participants sit across from a panel of experienced journalists representing leading media houses. To guarantee fairness, moderators would be chosen by journalists themselves, ensuring the process remains transparent and free of political bias.
The exchange would unfold in both English and French, mirroring the country’s bilingual identity. The content of the debate is designed to reflect the pressing priorities of the Cameroonian people, with a strong emphasis on economics, development, education, and governance.
While political questions would occupy a small fraction of the program, heavier weight would be placed on issues such as wealth creation, infrastructure, and schools. Sensitive national concerns would not be left out.
Candidates would be expected to articulate how they would resolve the Anglophone crisis within two months, how they could provide one million jobs to youths every year, and what concrete measures they would take to curb corruption.
The proposal comes at a time when the opposition is still grappling with the challenge of uniting behind a single candidate. History has shown that while electoral alliances can enhance the opposition’s chances of contesting entrenched incumbents, they often collapse under the weight of ideological rifts, regional loyalties, and personality clashes. Many Cameroonians remain skeptical of coalitions that appear to be driven more by opportunism than by a coherent national vision.
Analysts stress that alliances, if they are to succeed, must go beyond short-term electoral arithmetic. Trust among party leaders, credible power-sharing arrangements, and a unified program that resonates with citizens are indispensable. Some experts even argue that institutional reforms, such as run-off elections, would provide a stronger foundation for coalition politics in the country.
For Dr. Nick Ngwanyam, however, the debate is more than a contest of political strategy. It is an opportunity to promote accountability and issue-based politics in a system often overshadowed by personality and patronage. By placing the spotlight on healthcare, education, employment, and national development, the debate would challenge candidates to move beyond slogans and demonstrate concrete solutions.
If accepted, the proposal could represent a watershed moment in Cameroon’s democratic journey. It would also reflect Dr. Ngwanyam’s evolution from a prominent figure in medicine and academia into a voice advocating for political transparency and national dialogue. Whether the ruling party and the opposition are willing to embrace such a platform remains uncertain. Yet, for many citizens yearning for change and clarity, the image of leaders facing unscripted questions under the scrutiny of seasoned journalists offers hope for a more open and accountable political process.
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