I’ll support whoever emerges coalition presidential candidate – Donald Duke

Former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has expressed his willingness to back the consensus candidate of the opposition coalition in Nigeria's 2027 presidential elections. Speaking at the PRP strategic retreat in Abuja, Duke also warned of deliberate attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine opposition parties ahead of the elections.

Duke highlighted the urgent need for opposition parties to unite and agree on a common vision for the country, rather than focusing solely on choosing a presidential candidate. He accused the APC-led administration of using state institutions to hinder opposition activities, preventing opposition parties from accessing campaign venues and encouraging political violence.

The PRP presidential candidate expressed concern that the growing hostility could trigger a national crisis, drawing similarities with the political events that led to the 1966 crisis and the subsequent civil war. Duke urged the recently inaugurated 375 judges handling election-related cases to uphold integrity and dispense justice without bias.

National Chairman of the PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, echoed Duke's concerns, warning that Nigeria might not survive the 2027 general elections if political violence and intimidation of opposition parties are not addressed promptly. Baba-Ahmed stressed that such actions could undermine the electoral process, prevent Nigerians from exercising their democratic rights, and plunge the country into deeper political instability.

While the possibility of supporting a single presidential candidate within the coalition remains open, Baba-Ahmed ruled out dissolving the party structures, explaining that the law does not permit such a move at this stage. He noted that opposition parties were considering other strategies to strengthen unity and defeat the APC in 2027, while reviewing their performance and discussing challenges and potential solutions.

The opposition coalition's efforts to unseat the APC in the upcoming elections were also discussed at the retreat, with stakeholders expressing worry over the ruling party's alleged attempts to suppress opposition parties. The meeting brought together several party leaders and stakeholders, including Malam Falalu Bello (BOT Chairman), Samaila Dahuwa Kaila (serving Senator for Bauchi North), and various governorship candidates and National Executive Committee members.