Donald Duke: ‘I’ll Support Whoever Emerges Coalition Presidential Candidate’
Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has pledged to support whoever emerges as the opposition coalition’s consensus presidential candidate ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Duke, who is contesting the presidency under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), made the declaration Tuesday during the party’s strategic retreat held in Abuja.
He urged opposition aspirants to respect collective decisions, arguing that political unity must extend beyond selecting one presidential candidate to establishing a common national development vision.
The former governor also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state institutions to obstruct opposition activities and restrict their political campaigns.
He alleged that opposition parties were being denied access to campaign venues while political violence continued, creating an increasingly hostile environment for democratic participation.
“Indeed, right now in this country, the only party able to campaign is the APC. They’ve locked out every person,” Duke said.
He warned that the growing political tension could plunge Nigeria into another national crisis, drawing parallels with developments preceding the 1966 political upheaval.
Duke also expressed hope that the 375 judges recently inaugurated to handle election-related cases would dispense justice impartially, without fear, favour or political interference.
Meanwhile, PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed warned that escalating political violence and intimidation could threaten Nigeria’s stability and undermine preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He said attacks against opposition politicians and restrictions on their campaigns could discourage political participation, deny citizens democratic freedoms and deepen national instability.
“We are not scared for the PRP, we are scared for the country,” Baba-Ahmed said when asked about possible attacks during campaigns.
He accused those allegedly orchestrating political violence of attempting to frighten Nigerians away from electoral activities and create conditions capable of undermining the elections.
Baba-Ahmed warned that citizens could eventually become too frightened to attend political gatherings, participate in campaigns or exercise their constitutional voting rights.
Addressing the opposition coalition’s presidential arrangement, he confirmed that discussions about supporting a single candidate remained possible, although merging parties was no longer legally feasible.
“Anybody who knows about the current state of the campaign would tell you, you can’t collapse structure, you can’t merge, because that time is over,” he said.
He disclosed that opposition parties were exploring alternative strategies to strengthen their alliance and improve their chances of challenging the APC in 2027.
At the retreat, party stakeholders reviewed the PRP’s nationwide performance, expressing satisfaction with its progress and the calibre of candidates contesting various elective positions.
They also examined challenges confronting the party and discussed possible solutions, while opposition unity and alleged attempts to suppress political activities featured prominently.
Other participants included Board of Trustees Chairman Malam Falalu Bello, Bauchi North Senator Samaila Dahuwa Kaila, governorship candidates and National Executive Committee members.
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