Former Cross River State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has called for a shift from political loyalty to competence and integrity in the appointment of public officials.
Duke made the call while speaking on the quality of leadership needed to address Nigeria’s economic and institutional challenges, stressing that governance should be driven by people with the capacity to deliver results rather than individuals rewarded for political support.
The former governor, who led Cross River State from 1999 to 2007, argued that political activities should end once elections are concluded, giving way to serious governance and the appointment of the best hands to manage the affairs of the country.
According to him, winning an election should not mean that political supporters and campaign loyalists automatically become beneficiaries of government appointments.
Duke said the priority of any administration should be to assemble a team capable of moving the country forward, regardless of political affiliation or personal relationships.
He stressed that every government appointee should be guided by the responsibility to leave the country better than they found it, rather than using public office to advance personal or political interests.
The former Cross River governor also pointed to the need for stronger public institutions, saying visionary leadership and national interest must take precedence over partisan considerations if Nigeria is to overcome its current challenges.
Duke maintained that competence, integrity and capacity should form the basis for appointing people into strategic government positions.
He further said his record in public office reflected his commitment to building institutions and improving the state he governed, insisting that leadership should ultimately be measured by what is left behind after an administration.
His comments come ahead of the 2027 general elections, in which he is seeking to become Nigeria’s president on the platform of the PRP.
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