Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has said Nigeria’s persistent challenges are largely the result of a leadership deficiency, declaring that his decision to seek the presidency is driven by a desire to provide the direction needed to transform the country.
Duke, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, said Nigeria had failed to achieve its full political and economic potential because successive governments lacked a clear leadership vision.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Duke said he joined the presidential race to tackle the country’s mounting problems and give Nigerians renewed hope.
“There has been frustration in the political system since the return to democracy. In reality, we could have done better than what we have if we had the right leadership,” he said.
The former governor argued that Nigeria needed leaders with clearly defined plans rather than politicians who rely on personal attacks and mudslinging.
“That is why I have put up myself in order to provide the needed leadership to change the political question and provide the required development and growth. We in the political system do not need mudslinging but to tell Nigerians what we can do for the country,” Duke said.
Duke also said the opposition could defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 presidential election if opposition political parties unite behind a common candidate.
According to him, the APC would have an advantage if opposition parties remain divided, but a united opposition could pose a serious challenge to the incumbent administration.
On policy issues, the PRP presidential candidate expressed support for fuel subsidy, arguing that Nigeria should not use the withdrawal of benefits from its natural resources to further burden citizens.
He also backed the establishment of state police, saying the country needed stronger measures to address rising insecurity and poverty-related crimes.
Duke further described the student loan scheme as a positive initiative but argued that the government must create employment opportunities to enable beneficiaries to repay their loans.
He said Nigeria must better align its monetary and fiscal policies to promote wealth creation and address widespread poverty across the country.
