Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke is banking on his record in office to strengthen his bid for Nigeria's presidency in the 2027 general election under the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
Duke, who governed Cross River State from 1999 to 2007, is seeking to convince Nigerians that his experience in state administration and development planning makes him suitable to lead the country.
During his eight-year tenure, his administration focused on tourism, infrastructure and institutional reforms. Projects such as the Tinapa Business Resort and the Obudu tourism destination became major features of his government's development agenda.
He also introduced a legally backed reserve fund intended to provide financial protection against future economic challenges.
These initiatives remain central to his political identity as he seeks to translate his experience in Cross River into nationwide support.
However, Duke faces the challenge of building a strong national political structure and attracting voters beyond his traditional political base.
His presidential ambition is not new. After leaving office in 2007, he sought the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost the nomination to Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. He later contested the 2019 presidential election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In May 2026, Duke emerged as the PRP's presidential candidate following the party's primary election.
His emergence was challenged in court by another aspirant, Yakubu Kingsley. However, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the suit in September 2026, ruling that it was statute-barred and that the plaintiff had failed to establish his claims.
Beyond his record in Cross River, Duke has made governance, security, agriculture, education, healthcare and economic reforms central to his national political argument.
He has criticised what he describes as excessive emphasis on political loyalty over competence, arguing that public appointments should be based on the ability to deliver results.
Duke has also expressed concerns about insecurity, poverty, rising public debt and the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, while advocating reforms to improve productivity and create opportunities for citizens.
His challenge, however, is to turn these ideas and his experience as a former governor into a credible national campaign capable of competing against better-established political structures.
With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the question is whether Duke's record in Cross River and his proposed approach to governance will attract enough support across Nigeria to make his return to the presidential race more than another political gamble.
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