‘Tinubu not an average politician’ — Duke rallies opposition for unity
Duke Urges Opposition Unity Ahead of 2027 Election
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, is calling for unity among opposition parties in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general election. In an interview on Friday, Duke characterized President Bola Tinubu as a significant political force that should not be underestimated.
Duke, who previously served as the governor of Cross River State, emphasized that a divided opposition would struggle to compete against Tinubu’s incumbency advantage. He highlighted that the control of government institutions by the ruling party grants the president a considerable edge in electoral contexts.
“Even if the APC did nothing, they are the party in power. If an issue arises on election day, the Inspector General of Police will not attend to any of the other candidates but will report to the president,” Duke said, acknowledging the strategic advantages held by incumbents.
He argued that for opposition parties to mount an effective challenge, individual ambitions must be set aside to form a strong coalition. “The only way to genuinely confront an incumbent is to unite and forge a collective force,” he stated. “Otherwise, the opposition risks division and self-sabotage due to personal egos.”
Duke cautioned against underestimating Tinubu’s political acumen, likening the challenge of defeating the current administration to fighting a powerful adversary. “Bola Tinubu is not an average politician. You don’t approach a lion that also has horns without acknowledging its strength,” he remarked.
His comments reflect a recognition of the difficulties facing the opposition as it navigates a landscape of competing interests. Duke’s appeal for solidarity comes amid ongoing discussions among opposition leaders and their parties, as they seek alliances to effectively challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leadership in the next elections.
As a key figure in the opposition, Duke stands among several candidates vying for the presidency in 2027. His call for unity amid rivalry underscores the critical question of whether Nigeria’s opposition parties can coalesce around a common platform in their efforts against the incumbent government.
