2027: Donald Duke Vows to Tackle Nigeria’s Challenges, Says Opposition Unity Key to Defeating APC

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has explained that his decision to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is driven by a desire to address the country’s persistent political and economic challenges.

Speaking in Abuja, the former Cross River State governor said Nigeria has struggled with effective leadership for decades, despite having several administrations since the return to democratic governance. He maintained that the nation’s development has been hindered by a lack of clear leadership direction and long-term vision.

According to Duke, many past leaders entered office with political ambitions but failed to provide the leadership required to drive sustainable growth and national transformation. He expressed confidence that his administration would focus on delivering solutions capable of improving governance and creating opportunities for Nigerians.

The PRP candidate stressed the need for issue-based campaigns ahead of the election, urging political actors to focus on presenting practical ideas rather than engaging in personal attacks.

Duke also noted that opposition parties stand a better chance of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if they unite behind a single candidate. He argued that a divided opposition would make it easier for the incumbent government to retain power, while a united front could significantly alter the electoral outcome.

On economic policies, Duke backed the reintroduction of fuel subsidies, arguing that Nigeria should leverage its resources to ease the burden on citizens rather than exposing them to high energy costs. He further advocated the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step toward tackling insecurity and crime across the country.

The former governor also welcomed the student loan programme but emphasized that access to education financing must be complemented by policies that create employment opportunities for graduates. Without job creation, he warned, beneficiaries could struggle to repay their loans.

Duke added that government spending should be better aligned with revenue generation, calling for stronger coordination between fiscal and monetary policies to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty.

Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to ensure direct allocation of federal funds to local government councils if elected president in 2027.

Atiku said his administration would uphold local government autonomy in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial independence for local councils. He argued that direct funding would strengthen grassroots development, improve service delivery, and enhance the capacity of local governments to address security and socio-economic challenges.

The former vice president also accused the current administration of failing to fully implement the court’s decision, insisting that direct access to funds would promote accountability, deepen federalism, and accelerate development at the local level.