Donald Duke, the 2027 presidential candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), has described President Bola Tinubu as a formidable politician, while criticizing his performance in governance. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Duke acknowledged Tinubu’s political strength but expressed deep concerns about his leadership over the past three years. The former Cross River State governor emphasized that his issue lies not with Tinubu’s political acumen, but with his approach to running the country.
Duke noted that both he and Tinubu served as governors between 1999 and 2007, giving him firsthand experience of Tinubu’s capabilities in politics. He praised Tinubu’s resilience and conviction, saying, “Give it to President Bola Tinubu. He’s a formidable politician.” However, Duke stressed that this strength does not translate into effective governance. “My issue with him is governance, not politics,” he stated clearly.
According to Duke, Nigeria is currently facing a national crisis due to poor governance under Tinubu’s administration. “From what we have seen in the last three years, he’s very weak on governance. We’re in a disaster,” he said. He added that while the situation is repairable, the current trajectory makes recovery unlikely. “It’s repairable, but not with the trajectory he’s going,” Duke warned.
The PRP presidential aspirant also pointed out that Tinubu’s stubbornness could hinder any meaningful change. “He’s a stubborn politician too. Give it to him. He believes in what he’s doing. That’s his conviction,” Duke remarked. However, he questioned whether such conviction can justify worsening economic conditions. “If we continue this way, where year after year poverty increases, I’m not sure it would be fine,” he cautioned.
Duke left room for redemption if Tinubu were to show genuine remorse and change course. “If Tinubu comes back like a born-again and says he’s made a mistake, maybe we can consider it,” he said. But he remained skeptical about the current direction of the administration. His comments reflect growing public concern over rising inflation, unemployment, and insecurity across the country.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, Duke’s remarks highlight the increasing scrutiny on incumbent leaders and their ability to deliver sustainable development. His critique underscores the need for strong governance and accountability in the coming years.
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