I’m Back In Presidential Race To Unite Opposition, Not Split Votes – Duke

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has said his return to the presidential race ahead of the 2027 general elections is driven by the desire to unite Nigeria’s opposition forces and provide a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Duke, a former governor of Cross River State who had previously contested the presidency, said his decision to return to the political arena was informed by what he described as the urgent need for a credible alternative to the APC.

Speaking in an interview, the PRP candidate said his ambition should not be viewed merely as another individual quest for the presidency, but as part of a broader effort to bring opposition politicians together in the national interest.

According to him, the major challenge before the opposition is how to overcome individual ambitions and differences and present Nigerians with a realistic and credible alternative in 2027.

Duke said Nigeria was facing serious economic and security challenges, adding that opposition parties had a responsibility to offer Nigerians a coherent programme capable of addressing the problems confronting the country.

He said his participation in the presidential contest was therefore intended to contribute to the search for political solutions and a new direction for the country.

The former governor acknowledged concerns that the emergence of multiple opposition presidential candidates could lead to the fragmentation of votes, but argued that the solution was not for politicians to abandon the contest without first putting in place a structure capable of bringing them together.

He said opposition leaders needed to identify areas of common interest and work towards a stronger political platform that could challenge the APC in 2027.

Duke said he was willing to engage with other opposition leaders and political actors towards building such an alliance, stressing that the ultimate objective should be to give Nigerians a genuine choice at the ballot box.

He said his years in public office had given him a clearer understanding of the challenges associated with governing Nigeria, adding that the country needed leadership capable of taking difficult decisions, managing public resources responsibly and creating an environment in which businesses and citizens could prosper.

Duke stressed that his return to the presidential race was not simply about occupying the presidency, but about contributing to a change in Nigeria’s political conversation and demonstrating that the country could be governed differently.

He urged opposition politicians to place the national interest above personal ambitions, saying that the opposition could emerge as a formidable force in 2027 if its leaders were able to overcome their differences and work together.