The presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has declared his willingness to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in support of a consensus opposition candidate capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu.
Duke said he would willingly support another candidate, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar or the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, if opposition parties collectively agree on a preferred flag bearer.
The former Cross River State governor made the declaration on Tuesday in Abuja during the unveiling of his running mate, Malam Sule Mohammed, and the PRP’s manifesto.
Responding to questions about whether he would step aside for a stronger opposition candidate, Duke said any decision reached through a democratic and collective process would receive his support.
He, however, argued that opposition parties must first establish a common vision and agree on the future direction of Nigeria before settling on who should lead the proposed coalition.
According to him, the objective of an opposition alliance should not be limited to selecting a presidential candidate but should focus on developing a shared agenda capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
Duke said he would respect the outcome of such negotiations, regardless of who eventually emerges as the consensus candidate, insisting that political leaders must demonstrate commitment to democratic principles.
He added that he expected other aspirants to show the same spirit of sportsmanship if he eventually emerged as the preferred candidate.
The PRP presidential candidate also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that opposition parties were facing deliberate or unfair obstacles in securing campaign venues, billboards and other advertising platforms across the country.
He claimed that the APC enjoyed overwhelming visibility in several states, leaving opposition parties struggling to publicise their activities and reach voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Duke further alleged that political advertising had become prohibitively expensive in some states, with reports suggesting that parties could require as much as N1bn to commence serious campaign publicity.
He disclosed that the PRP had repeatedly postponed its retreat because of difficulties securing suitable venues.
Meanwhile, the PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said the party was committed to strengthening opposition unity but would not surrender its political structure to another party.
Baba-Ahmed explained that the PRP was considering supporting one or more credible opposition candidates with the capacity to defeat the APC, while maintaining its identity and organisational independence.
He stressed that the party was not participating in the 2027 elections merely to make up the numbers, expressing confidence that negotiations among opposition parties could produce a winning strategy.
The PRP chairman also said the emerging opposition coalition would focus on electoral strategies, inclusion of women and young Nigerians, improved security and the protection of vulnerable communities.
He maintained that the ultimate objective was to build a country where citizens would enjoy equal opportunities irrespective of their religious beliefs or geographical backgrounds.
Baba-Ahmed expressed optimism that Nigerians would make the right choice in 2027, adding that the PRP was prepared to contribute meaningfully to the political change the country needed.
