Politics
Ex-Cross River gov Donald Duke joins 2027 presidential race, cleared for PRP primaries
Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has officially entered the presidential race under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) ahead of its primaries scheduled for May 25, 2026.
Duke was named among three aspirants cleared by the party in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, positioning him as one of the key contenders for the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Other cleared aspirants include Dr. Nnaoke Ufere from Abia State and Engr. (Dr.) Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley from Edo State.
According to the PRP, all three aspirants have agreed to subject themselves to the outcome of the party’s internal democratic process during the nationwide primaries.
“The three cleared presidential aspirants of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) have convened and unanimously agreed to submit their aspirations to the will of our party members during upcoming primaries scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, across all parts of the country,” the statement read.
The party said the development reflects its commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and a level playing field for all contestants, adding that over 260 aspirants are expected to contest various positions where consensus cannot be reached.
The PRP also praised the quality of its aspirants, describing them as committed to democratic values and party cohesion ahead of the polls.
Duke, who governed Cross River State from 1999 to 2007, remains one of the most recognisable political figures from southern Nigeria, and his entry is expected to add national visibility to the PRP’s presidential contest.
With Nigeria’s presidential election expected in January 2027 according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable, political activities across parties continue to intensify as alliances, primaries, and defections reshape the emerging electoral landscape.

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