2027: My Record Reflects Commitment To Building Strong Institutions – Donald Duke

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2027 general election, Donald Duke, has defended his leadership credentials, saying his record as governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007 demonstrates his commitment to building strong institutions, promoting merit and leaving public office better than he met it.

Duke said if elected president in 2027, his administration would break with the culture of political patronage by appointing competent and capable Nigerians to key positions in government.

“My record speaks of my intention to leave a place better than I met it,” the former Cross River governor said during an interview.

According to him, politics ends after an election, while governance begins with the process of assembling the best hands capable of moving the country forward.

“Politics ends after the election. Governance begins with assembling the best hands to move the country forward,” he said.

Duke said governance should be driven by competence rather than political loyalty, stressing that appointments into public office should be based on merit, integrity and the capacity to deliver results.

“It’s not those who rallied around you during the campaign that should determine the quality of governance. Politics is over; governance is about getting the best team. Every appointee must have one creed: leave the country better than you met it,” he said.

The PRP presidential candidate argued that Nigeria’s current challenges require visionary leadership capable of putting national interest above partisan considerations.

He maintained that rebuilding public institutions remained critical to restoring citizens’ confidence in government and repositioning the country for sustainable development.

Duke also renewed his call for comprehensive economic reforms, including a redesign of Nigeria’s financial system to encourage productivity, reduce the cost of borrowing and stimulate private-sector growth.

He criticised high interest rates, rising public debt and what he described as misplaced government spending, insisting that greater investments should be channelled into electricity, agriculture, healthcare, education and the judiciary.

According to him, strengthening these critical sectors would not only improve citizens’ welfare but also create the foundation for sustainable economic growth and national development.

Duke further advocated reforms in revenue generation, energy policy and the justice system, arguing that Nigeria possesses the human and natural resources required for rapid transformation if they are managed with discipline, competence and accountability.

He said his vision was to build a government where public office would be treated as a responsibility to the Nigerian people rather than an avenue for rewarding political loyalty, stressing that every administration should be judged by whether it leaves the country stronger and better positioned for future generations.