2027: I’m not sure Sowore is running for office — Donald Duke
Duke Advocates for Opposition Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections
Donald Duke, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), expressed uncertainty regarding the political intentions of Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, during a recent interview with the Naija Unfiltered Podcast. While describing Sowore as a “voice of conscience,” Duke emphasized the activist’s unique role in addressing issues often overlooked by conventional politicians.
“I like him. I’m not sure Sowore is running for office, with due respect to him, but I see him as a voice of conscience,” Duke stated. He noted that Sowore raises important issues that some may avoid for the sake of political civility.
Duke’s interview focused on the need for opposition figures and groups, including G100, to collaborate against the administration of President Bola Tinubu in preparation for the upcoming 2027 presidential election. However, he cautioned that merely uniting to oust Tinubu should not be the sole objective of such alliances.
“It’s unfortunate that the two other candidates, Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Peter Obi, stayed away,” Duke remarked, referring to their absence from key meetings aimed at fostering opposition unity.
Despite these challenges, Duke indicated that discussions among opposition stakeholders were ongoing, with a focus on developing a framework for cooperation that would address Nigeria’s broader political needs. He insisted that the opposition must first establish a clear vision for the country’s future before determining a suitable candidate.
“If it’s coming together just for the sake of defeating the incumbent, then I think it’s a waste of time,” he said. “We must have a central objective about where we’d like to take Nigeria to, and who is best suited to do that.”
Duke also argued for a long-term merger of opposition parties, asserting that a fragmented opposition would struggle to compete effectively within Nigeria’s presidential system.
“I think the long-term objective is to merge the opposition. You can’t have a fractured opposition in a presidential system,” he commented.
He advocated for a shift away from the “winner-takes-all syndrome”, proposing a political environment that encourages broader participation in governance.
“I hear we have about 18 presidential candidates. They should all come together. There’s enough in Nigeria for all of us, and this winner-takes-all syndrome must end,” Duke added.
As discussions among opposition stakeholders continue, Duke stated that the outcomes of these efforts would be clearer as dialogue progresses.
