Former Cross River State governor and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke, has emphasized the need for thorough scrutiny of presidential aspirants in Nigeria. According to Duke, the country's current economic and security challenges demand that anyone seeking to govern the nation be rigorously evaluated on their experience, capacity, record, and intentions. He made these remarks in Abuja on Monday, October 7, 2026.
Duke stressed that Nigeria cannot afford experimental leadership at this critical period. He cited his own record in office as evidence that governments can deliberately create economic activity by identifying and exploiting the comparative advantages of their territories. During his tenure as governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007, Duke implemented a development strategy focused on areas such as agriculture and tourism, where the state had identifiable advantages.
The former governor highlighted the success of his administration's tourism initiatives, particularly the Tinapa project. He defended the philosophy behind the project, stating that responsibility for its subsequent fortunes should be separated from its conception and condition when he left office. Duke also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu's political strength but drew a distinction between political ability and governance.
Duke expressed concern about the continuing deterioration in living conditions and security in Nigeria. He noted that poverty has been increasing statistically, and security is impaired, particularly in the North, where it is creeping southwards. According to Duke, the country's circumstances make it urgent to test the suitability of presidential aspirants, emphasizing that Nigeria cannot afford to be testing at this critical period.
The PRP presidential candidate also commented on the emerging opposition coalition, warning that merely assembling politicians dissatisfied with the incumbent without first establishing an alternative programme would shortchange Nigerians. He emphasized the need for a commonality in objectives and a fitting vehicle to take Nigeria to its desired destination.
Duke reiterated that once the opposition agrees on what it wants to accomplish, it can then determine who is best equipped to execute the programme. He emphasized that the central purpose of government should be to create conditions in which citizens can become productive rather than merely administer over them.
According to Duke, expenditure on education, healthcare, and infrastructure should ultimately translate into increased productivity and improved living standards. He believes that governments should be prepared to develop whatever legitimate economic activity can improve people's livelihoods.
Key points
- Donald Duke emphasizes the need for thorough scrutiny of presidential aspirants in Nigeria.
- Duke cites his own record in office as evidence that governments can create economic activity.
- The PRP presidential candidate warns that merely assembling politicians dissatisfied with the incumbent without a programme would shortchange Nigerians.
