Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate and prominent politician, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has declared that former Donald Duke would defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in a free, fair and credible presidential election.
Baba-Ahmed made the statement during an interview on Symfoni TV, where he praised Duke’s leadership record and described him as one of the most qualified political figures in the country.
The comments have added another dimension to the growing political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election, which is already attracting attention despite being more than a year away.
According to Baba-Ahmed, many Nigerians have not fully recognised Duke’s political strength, national appeal and experience in public service. He argued that if elections in Nigeria were conducted transparently and without manipulation, Duke would emerge victorious against other leading contenders.
“In a free and fair election in Nigeria, Donald Duke is the winner,” Baba-Ahmed said during the interview.
He maintained that the former Cross River governor possesses the qualities needed to lead the country and has a track record that compares favourably with many politicians currently seeking national office.
Duke recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), a development that has brought him back into the national political spotlight.
The former governor remains one of Nigeria’s best-known political figures. He served as governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007 and was widely credited with promoting tourism, improving infrastructure and raising the profile of the state during his tenure.
Over the years, Duke has contested for higher office and remained active in national conversations on governance, economic reforms and leadership. His supporters often point to his administrative experience and relatively moderate political style as reasons he could appeal to voters across different regions of the country.
Baba-Ahmed also drew a comparison between Duke’s current political position and the situation faced by Peter Obi before the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, many Nigerians underestimated Obi’s popularity and political influence before the last election. He warned that a similar mistake could be made by those dismissing Duke’s chances ahead of 2027.
The former senator suggested that political observers should not overlook candidates simply because they are not currently among the leading names in opinion polls or media discussions.
His remarks appear aimed at encouraging Nigerians to pay closer attention to Duke’s candidacy and the possibility of a stronger showing by the PRP in future elections.
The 2027 presidential race is expected to feature intense competition among several political parties. President Tinubu is widely expected to seek a second term, while speculation continues over whether Peter Obi will again contest for the presidency. Other major political figures are also expected to join the race as parties begin internal consultations and strategic planning.
Since the 2023 elections, discussions about political alliances, electoral reforms and the performance of the current administration have dominated Nigeria’s political landscape. Economic challenges, insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living remain major issues likely to shape voter decisions in the next election cycle.
Although Baba-Ahmed’s endorsement of Duke is likely to generate debate, it also highlights the growing efforts by smaller political parties to position themselves as alternatives to the country’s dominant political platforms.
The PRP, one of Nigeria’s oldest political parties, traces its roots to the political movement associated with the late Aminu Kano. While the party has not won the presidency since the return of democratic rule in 1999, it continues to participate in elections and promote its political ideals.
For now, the statement by Baba-Ahmed is expected to fuel further discussions about possible contenders for the nation’s highest office and the shape of the 2027 contest.
Whether Duke can translate the confidence expressed by Baba-Ahmed into nationwide political support remains to be seen. However, the endorsement underscores the belief among some political actors that the former Cross River governor could emerge as a serious contender if the election environment is transparent and competitive.