Former Cross River State governor Donald Duke has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) for the 2027 general election.
Duke clinched the Donald Duke PRP presidential ticket after defeating two other contenders in the party’s primary election held in Abuja, a development that officially places him in the race for Nigeria’s highest office.
The former governor, who has remained active in national politics over the years, will now fly the PRP flag as the party seeks to strengthen its presence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Donald Duke PRP Presidential Ticket Confirmed After Primary Victory
The PRP announced Duke as the winner after he secured the highest number of votes during the party’s presidential primary.
According to the party’s National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Duke polled 6,499 votes to emerge victorious. His closest challenger, Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley, secured 2,699 votes, while academic and policy expert Nnaoke Ufere finished third with 784 votes.
Party officials described the exercise as transparent, credible and in line with the principles of internal democracy.
The victory marks a major milestone for Duke, who previously contested for Nigeria’s presidency and remains one of the country’s most recognisable political figures.
How Duke Got to This Stage
Before the primary election, the PRP had cleared three aspirants to contest for the party’s presidential ticket.
The approved aspirants included Donald Duke, Nnaoke Ufere and Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley.
Meanwhile,Party leaders said all three agreed to abide by the outcome of the exercise and submit themselves to the will of party members.
The party maintained that the screening and nomination process was conducted fairly and in accordance with its constitution.
What Donald Duke’s Emergence Means for 2027
The emergence of Duke as the party’s flag bearer adds another notable name to Nigeria’s growing list of presidential hopefuls ahead of the 2027 elections.
Having served as governor of Cross River State between 1999 and 2007, Duke built a reputation around tourism development, infrastructure projects and economic initiatives during his administration.
Political observers believe his experience and national recognition could help the PRP attract greater attention as campaigns gradually gather momentum.
For now, the party appears focused on rallying support behind its candidate as preparations for the 2027 presidential election continue.
While the Donald Duke PRP presidential ticket now secured, attention is expected to shift to his campaign strategy and how the party plans to position itself in what promises to be a highly competitive election season.
