Donald Duke, presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), says Nigeria cannot achieve lasting peace unless citizens have access to jobs, food, and economic opportunities.
Speaking to journalists after accepting his nomination as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, the former Cross River governor said insecurity across the country is largely driven by worsening economic conditions.
His comments come amid growing concerns over rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
Duke, who is one of several southern politicians seeking the presidency in 2027, said his ambition should not be viewed through the prism of regional politics.
“I’m not running on the basis of North and South. I’m running on the basis of being a Nigerian,” he said.
“Democracy is all about options. We can’t narrow the field to North and South. We must go beyond that.”
TACKLING HUNGER
The former governor argued that Nigeria must prioritise local production, particularly in agriculture, to reduce dependence on imports and create employment opportunities.
“Anything that is essential must be local. Food is essential,” he said.
“You can’t import food and survive. We’re not a small country. We’re 230 million people. We must find work for them.”
Duke said the country’s economic challenges have contributed significantly to the growth of insecurity.
“What is happening — bandits, kidnappers and all that — is economic pressure primarily,” he said.
“It didn’t start today. It’s been growing and we didn’t pay attention to it.”
According to him, government policies should focus more on creating jobs than on exchange rate debates.
“We must create jobs, every one of us,” he said.
The PRP candidate also reiterated his support for free education, describing educated citizens as national assets.
“When I talked about free education, each educated mind is an asset,” he said.
“You don’t ask people to pay fees to become an asset. We must give our people the tools to thrive.”
Duke warned that insecurity would persist if millions of Nigerians remain unable to meet their basic needs.
“As long as people don’t have jobs, can’t feed themselves, can’t clothe themselves and can’t house themselves, don’t expect peace,” he said.
“All of us, particularly the elites, are endangered species.”
