ABUJA — Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has publicly backed former Cross River State governor Donald Duke, asserting that he would emerge victorious over President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi in a free, fair, and credible election.
Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Baba-Ahmed lauded Duke as one of Nigeria’s most qualified political figures. He argued that the former governor possesses a depth of leadership credentials and national appeal that have yet to be fully appreciated by the Nigerian electorate.
"In a free and fair election in Nigeria, Donald Duke is the winner," Baba-Ahmed declared, emphasizing his confidence in Duke’s candidacy. He also drew parallels to the political landscape preceding the 2023 general elections, warning that those who might underestimate Duke’s prospects risk making the same miscalculation that many observers made regarding Peter Obi’s rise.
Baba-Ahmed’s endorsement comes shortly after the PRP officially affirmed Donald Duke as its presidential flag-bearer for the 2027 general elections. Following the conclusion of its internal primaries and a subsequent review by the party's Primaries Appeal Committee, the National Working Committee (NWC) cleared Duke and 419 other candidates across various elective positions to represent the party in next year’s polls.
The affirmation confirms Duke as the central figure in the PRP’s push to provide a viable alternative political platform. As the party intensifies its preparations, Baba-Ahmed’s public support highlights a growing effort within the PRP to frame the 2027 election not merely as a contest between the established political giants, but as a race where leadership pedigree and institutional vision can reshape the national discourse.
