Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has described President Bola Tinubu as a formidable and highly experienced politician but believes his handling of governance could become a major weakness as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 presidential election.
According to Daily Post, Duke acknowledged Tinubu’s political strength and ability to build alliances, win support and navigate Nigeria’s complex political environment. However, he argued that being a successful politician is different from successfully governing a country.
The former governor made the remarks while discussing the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 election and the chances of opposition parties challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Duke said Tinubu’s strength in politics should not be underestimated, describing him as someone who understands the Nigerian political system and knows how to build strong political structures.
However, he maintained that his concerns about the President are centred more on governance than politics. “Give it to him, he is a formidable politician,” Duke reportedly said, adding that his major disagreement with Tinubu was not about his political abilities but about his performance in government.
Duke’s comments reflect a growing debate about whether Tinubu’s political experience and influence will be enough to secure his re-election in 2027, especially as many Nigerians continue to face economic hardship.
Since taking office, Tinubu’s administration has introduced major economic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and changes to the country’s foreign exchange system. While the government has defended the policies as necessary steps to rebuild the economy, many Nigerians have complained about rising living costs, food prices and the general financial pressure facing households.
For Duke, the situation could have political consequences when Nigerians eventually return to the polls. He suggested that while Tinubu remains politically powerful, the experience of ordinary Nigerians under his administration could become an important factor in determining the outcome of the 2027 election.
The former governor also turned his attention to the opposition, warning that Tinubu’s political strength would be difficult to challenge if opposition parties remain divided. According to him, opposition leaders must be prepared to put aside personal ambitions and work towards building a united front capable of presenting a serious alternative to the APC.
Duke said he would personally be willing to step aside for a consensus candidate if opposition leaders agreed that such a decision would improve their chances of defeating the ruling party. He warned that the opposition could once again make things easier for Tinubu if major political figures focus only on their individual presidential ambitions instead of working together.
As preparations and political calculations gradually begin to shape the road to 2027, Duke’s comments highlight what could become one of the major debates of the next election cycle: whether Tinubu’s reputation as a master politician can outweigh public concerns about governance and the economy.
For now, the President remains one of the strongest figures in Nigerian politics, but Duke believes the battle ahead may not be won by political strategy alone.
Elom Fortunate Chiemerie is junior staff at modern crux that covers news on international politics, sports news and entertainment News
