"Nigeria's Biggest Problem Is Not Poverty but the Politicians Creating It" — Donald Duke fires APC

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Former Cross River State Governor and 2027 presidential hopeful, Donald Duke, has accused Nigeria's political elite of capturing the country and exploiting poverty to maintain their grip on power.

Speaking during the presentation of certificates of return and party flags to candidates of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Abuja, Duke said Nigeria's leadership crisis has fueled insecurity, economic hardship, corruption and widespread disillusionment among citizens.

According to him, many politicians deliberately sustain poverty because it serves their political interests, allowing them to manipulate vulnerable citizens during elections.

Duke lamented the worsening security situation across the country, alleging that criminal groups have become deeply entrenched in some communities. He cited reports indicating that kidnappers collected about ₦2 trillion in ransom payments in 2025, describing the development as evidence of failed leadership.

The former governor said Nigeria's problems stem largely from poor governance and a lack of commitment to the welfare of citizens. He argued that successive administrations have failed to address critical issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, including unemployment, poor healthcare, inadequate education and rising living costs.

Outlining his vision for the country, Duke promised that a PRP-led government would prioritize job creation, industrialization, improved healthcare, quality education, affordable energy and enhanced security. He also advocated greater utilization of Nigeria's vast gas resources to drive economic growth and reduce energy costs.

He called for free and compulsory education up to senior secondary school level and urged increased investment in teachers' welfare to improve learning outcomes nationwide.

Duke further criticized the practice of political and economic elites sending their children abroad for education, arguing that confidence in Nigeria's educational system would improve if leaders patronized local institutions.

He pledged to champion policies that would improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians, including farmers, traders, artisans, transport operators and unemployed graduates, insisting that governance should focus on the needs of citizens rather than the interests of the political class.

Also speaking at the event, PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed said the party was offering Nigerians an alternative to what he described as decades of failed leadership and the weakening of democratic institutions.