By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
Former Cross River State Governor and presidential candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has said his ambition to become Nigeria’s president in 2027 is driven by his desire to build a better country, not personal fulfilment or the pursuit of political power.
Duke said his eight-year tenure as governor of Cross River State demonstrated his capacity to translate ideas into tangible results, urging Nigerians to assess presidential candidates based on their track records and ability to deliver on their promises.
Speaking on Monday during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, the former governor said his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election was motivated by his determination to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
“I’m not in politics because I’m seeking actualisation. I’m in politics because I want to actualise a vision of a better Nigeria,” he said.
Duke maintained that his record in Cross River State distinguished him from candidates whose promises were not backed by verifiable achievements.
“If I came into this race without a track record, then I’m making promises which may not be true. But if you dig deep enough, and examine my eight years as governor of Cross River State and what we were able to do out of little or nothing, then I think you’ll find me better disposed to keep my word,” he said.
He also described the PRP as a platform that would enable him to pursue his political vision without what he considered the compromises often associated with larger political parties.
According to him, political bargaining within established parties can constrain leaders and limit their ability to implement policies effectively.
Duke Identifies Productivity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth
The former governor argued that Nigeria’s major challenge was not a lack of resources but the failure to harness its human and economic potential for the benefit of the population.
He said his proposed administration would prioritise job creation, economic opportunities and improved living standards, particularly for disadvantaged Nigerians.
“What we would like to do is actualise the mass of our people,” Duke said.
He described Nigeria’s large population as a potential economic advantage, stressing that citizens must be productively engaged and earn sufficient incomes to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Our real strength is our numbers. Unfortunately, when not properly utilised or unutilised at all, it becomes our worst enemy,” he said.
Duke identified the creation of a safe and orderly environment in which citizens could work, businesses could thrive and investments could grow as a fundamental responsibility of government.
“I’ve said over and over again that the critical function of government is to ensure the productivity of our people within a safe and orderly environment. That is the mission statement of our government. To ensure the optimal productivity of our people,” he said.
38% Interest Rate, Energy Costs Threaten Economic Growth — Duke
Duke called for urgent measures to address high interest rates and energy costs, which he identified as major obstacles to economic expansion and private-sector productivity.
He argued that businesses could not grow effectively when borrowing costs were excessively high and the cost of energy continued to put pressure on production and operating expenses.
“It is very, very urgent. We have to deal with the factors of production. We cannot have 38 per cent interest rate and expect the economy to grow. You have to deal with the biggest inflationary item in the book, which is your energy price,” he said.
According to him, reducing the cost of production would enable businesses to expand, create jobs and contribute more effectively to the economy.
Presidential Candidate Proposes Cheaper Petrol Through Local Refining
The PRP presidential candidate also proposed a domestic crude oil supply and refining arrangement that would prioritise local refineries and make petroleum products more affordable to Nigerians.
He suggested that the Federal Government should supply crude oil it owns and has not committed to other buyers to domestic refineries at cost.
Under the proposed arrangement, refiners would pay contract-refining charges, while distribution expenses and a 10 per cent margin would be incorporated into the pricing structure.
“Don’t sell your crude oil to traders. Sell it to your own local refinery here, the one that you have here, at cost. Sell it to them at cost. Charge them contract refining so that they refine it also at their cost,” Duke said.
He argued that the approach could help reduce domestic fuel costs while ensuring that Nigeria’s crude oil resources deliver greater economic benefits to the country.
Duke maintained that petrol and diesel should be treated as essential inputs for economic activity rather than primarily as sources of government revenue.
He explained that profits from other petroleum by-products could be used to moderate the prices of petrol and diesel, which have significant effects on transportation, food prices, electricity generation and business operations.
“The profits you make from the other four by-products, you use it to dampen the price of petrol and diesel. Because that is the fuel of your economy. That’s what makes the economy move,” he said.
Duke Rejects Unsustainable Fuel Subsidy, Advocates Affordability
Addressing the debate over fuel subsidies, Duke said the government did not necessarily need to reinstate the previous subsidy regime to make petroleum products affordable.
Instead, he advocated a domestic supply and pricing framework that would help lower costs while avoiding what he described as an unsustainable subsidy arrangement.
“That is why I’m saying that people are talking of subsidy. But I’m saying you don’t need to do subsidy because it’s not sustainable. Subsidy is not sustainable. Right? But you need to make it affordable,” he said.
He reiterated that high borrowing costs and expensive energy would continue to undermine economic productivity unless the government addressed them through deliberate policy measures.
Duke said his ultimate objective was to establish an economic environment in which Nigerians could work, earn decent incomes and participate in national development.
He added that effective security institutions and a functional judiciary were essential to maintaining the safe and orderly environment required for economic growth.
The former governor said his proposed political direction would focus on improving productivity, strengthening public welfare and ensuring that Nigeria’s resources translated into better living conditions for its citizens.
As the 2027 presidential election approaches, Duke is positioning his candidacy around economic productivity, affordable energy, job creation and the efficient use of Nigeria’s human and natural resources.
