2027: Donald Duke Blames Failed Leadership for Rising Insecurity, Emerges as PRP Presidential Flagbearer
By Our Correspondent – Former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, has attributed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity to years of poor leadership, warning that the country is paying a heavy price for governance failures.
Speaking amid growing concerns over kidnappings and violent crimes across the country, Duke lamented reports that Nigerians have paid an estimated N2 trillion in ransom to kidnappers over the years, describing the development as a reflection of the state’s inability to protect its citizens.
The former governor argued that insecurity thrives when leadership fails to prioritize the welfare and safety of the people. According to him, successive governments have not adequately addressed the root causes of crime, unemployment, and social discontent, creating conditions that have allowed criminal activities to flourish.
Duke’s comments come at a significant moment in Nigeria’s political landscape following his emergence as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party for the 2027 general election. The party recently confirmed him as its standard-bearer after the conclusion and review of its presidential primary process.
The PRP’s National Working Committee subsequently ratified the outcome, clearing Duke and hundreds of other candidates to contest various elective positions in the forthcoming elections. Party officials said the decision reflects the PRP’s commitment to presenting what it describes as credible and transformative leadership to Nigerians.
With his emergence, Duke joins the growing list of politicians positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential race. The former governor, who earned national recognition during his tenure in Cross River State through tourism-driven projects and infrastructure development, is expected to campaign on issues of security, economic revival, governance reforms, and national unity.
Political observers believe Duke’s candidacy could add a fresh dimension to the 2027 contest as the PRP seeks to expand its influence beyond its traditional strongholds and present itself as an alternative platform for Nigerians dissatisfied with the country’s current trajectory.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the general election, Duke has maintained that restoring effective leadership and rebuilding public confidence in government institutions will be critical to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and reversing the nation’s socio-economic decline.
