Ahead of Opposition Summit, Duke Harps on Unity, Says Tinubu Not an Average Politician

Chuks Okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Ahead of Monday’s opposition summit convened by the G100 in Abuja, presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has called for unity among opposition parties, warning that they may struggle to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if they remain divided.

Duke, a former governor of Cross River State, described Tinubu as a formidable political opponent who should not be underestimated, stressing that the advantage of incumbency gives the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) significant leverage over its opponents.

His call came as opposition parties continued to take divergent positions on the proposed G100 meeting, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) confirming their participation, while the Labour Party said it would not attend, arguing that it was already in a coalition with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Speaking during an interview with Symfoni television yesterday, Duke said opposition parties must recognise the realities of incumbency and put aside personal ambitions if they hope to mount a serious challenge against Tinubu in 2027.