Donald Duke, presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has warned that President Bola Tinubu could win the 2027 presidential election if opposition parties fail to unite behind a single candidate. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Duke emphasized that fragmentation within the opposition remains the biggest threat to challenging Tinubu’s re-election bid. He argued that without a coordinated effort, the opposition risks allowing Tinubu to secure victory through strategic vote distribution rather than popular mandate.
Duke highlighted that even if Tinubu wins in 2027, it would not represent a majority government in terms of total votes cast. “If Tinubu wins, it will still be a minority government. He won’t get a majority of the votes cast on election day,” he stated. He referenced the 2023 presidential election, where Tinubu secured approximately 37 per cent of the total votes. Duke suggested that with continued division among opposition parties, Tinubu’s share could drop further, possibly to around 25 per cent.
Despite this lower percentage, Duke explained that Tinubu could still emerge victorious due to Nigeria’s electoral system, which requires a candidate to win at least 25 per cent of the votes in two-thirds of the states and a simple majority nationwide. “He doesn’t need to get 8 million votes. He could just get 10 votes more, five votes more than every other person. He has a majority,” Duke said, underscoring how structural advantages can outweigh popular support.
The PRP candidate stressed that the opposition’s inability to form a credible coalition is the primary reason for concern. He called on political leaders to prioritize national interest over party loyalty and personal ambition. “Absolutely, with the chequered opposition it won’t work; Tinubu might win,” he added, reinforcing his warning about the consequences of disunity.
Duke’s remarks come amid ongoing negotiations among opposition parties to forge a united front ahead of the 2027 elections. While some parties have shown willingness to collaborate, deep-seated rivalries and leadership disputes continue to hinder progress. His comments serve as a stark reminder that without unity, the opposition may lose not only the election but also the moral authority to challenge the incumbent’s legitimacy.
As the political landscape evolves, Duke’s analysis underscores the growing urgency for opposition forces to act decisively. The 2027 election could hinge on whether these parties choose cooperation over competition, shaping Nigeria’s democratic trajectory in the years to come.
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