2027: I’m Open to Stepping Down for Consensus Opposition Candidate — Duke

Former Cross River State Governor and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke, has reaffirmed his willingness to step down from the 2027 presidential race in support of a consensus opposition candidate.

Duke made the position known during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye, where he discussed the prospects of opposition parties challenging President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.

Asked whether he would withdraw his presidential ambition in favour of another opposition candidate, Duke answered in the affirmative, saying the collective objective should take priority over individual political interests.

“Absolutely. First of all, once we have a commonality and objective, the next question is who is best suited for this?” he said.

The former governor compared the opposition’s challenge to a football match, arguing that although many people may have different opinions about how a game should be played, only those directly involved determine the outcome.

He said he wanted to be part of the process of building a united opposition, adding that the political landscape needed voices capable of encouraging dialogue and cooperation.

Duke also warned that President Tinubu could secure victory in 2027 if opposition parties remained divided.

“Absolutely, with the chequered opposition it won’t work; Tinubu might win,” he said.

He urged opposition politicians to begin preparing for possible challenges on election day rather than waiting until after the results to raise complaints.

According to him, political parties must anticipate potential difficulties and develop strategies to address them through cooperation and coordinated action.

Duke acknowledged Tinubu’s political experience and organisational strength but criticised his administration’s performance in governance.

“Give it to him, he is a formidable politician, my issue with him is governance not politics. He is weak on governance, from what we have seen over the last three years he is very weak on governance,” he said.

He also expressed concern about worsening economic conditions and rising poverty, arguing that the country needed a different approach to governance.

Duke said he would introduce what he described as a better governance structure if elected president.

His comments come amid ongoing discussions among opposition politicians about possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 presidential election. However, whether the various parties and presidential contenders will eventually agree on a single candidate remains uncertain.