Former Cross River State Governor and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke, has promised to work towards reducing the price of petrol to about ₦300 per litre if elected president in the 2027 presidential election. Duke made this pledge while appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he discussed his plans for the economy and expectations for the 2027 election. He emphasized the importance of fuel in Nigeria’s economy and its impact on productivity.
Duke explained that the availability and affordability of fuel are crucial to the productivity of Nigerians and the wider economy. He believes that the government should create conditions that allow citizens to work, move goods and services, and carry out their businesses without excessive pressure from energy costs. According to him, the function of government is to ensure the productivity of its citizens within a safe and orderly environment, and fuel plays a significant role in achieving this.
The former governor had previously argued that Nigeria should utilize its crude oil resources to make petroleum products more affordable for Nigerians. In September, Duke stated that petrol could be sold for between ₦200 and ₦300 per litre if crude meant for domestic refining was made available at the cost of production instead of being priced according to international market rates. He suggested that the government could sell other by-products of crude oil at commercial rates and use the proceeds to reduce the effective cost of petrol and diesel.
Duke’s position comes amid concerns over the cost of petrol and its impact on transportation, food prices, businesses, and household expenses. His proposal should not be interpreted as a call for the return of the traditional fuel subsidy system, but rather a model that considers Nigeria’s crude production costs and domestic energy needs. The PRP candidate also discussed the political direction of the country ahead of the 2027 general election.
Duke emphasized that the opposition should not approach the election simply as an opportunity to remove the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power. Instead, political parties seeking to challenge the ruling party must first agree on a clear national direction and vision. He noted that any arrangement or coalition would need to be based on a common goal rather than simply an agreement to defeat the APC.
The PRP candidate also raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 poll. He believes that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the responsibility of restoring confidence among Nigerians who have become doubtful about the commission’s ability to conduct free and fair elections. Duke expressed skepticism about INEC’s ability to conduct credible elections, citing the need for the commission to convince Nigerians of its capabilities.
Donald Duke emerged as the PRP’s presidential candidate at its primary held in May 2026 and has since been preparing for the 2027 election. His emergence was challenged in court by another PRP presidential aspirant, Yakubu Kingsley, but the court dismissed the suit in September, affirming Duke as the party’s candidate. With the legal challenge dismissed, Duke remains the PRP presidential candidate as the party prepares for the 2027 election.
Key points
- Donald Duke pledges to reduce petrol price to ₦300 per litre if elected president in 2027.
- Duke proposes a model that considers Nigeria’s crude production costs and domestic energy needs.
- The PRP candidate emphasizes the need for a clear national direction and vision for the opposition ahead of the 2027 election.
