2027: ‘Either Me or Nobody’ Attitude Undermining Opposition Unity, Donald Duke Warns

ABUJA — Former Cross River State Governor and presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has warned that personal ambitions, political rivalries and the “either me or nobody” mentality among opposition politicians are undermining efforts to build a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Duke cautioned that opposition leaders risk repeating the mistakes of the 2023 presidential election if they fail to put aside individual interests and work collectively to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The former governor gave the warning on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the PRP’s 2026 National Retreat in Abuja, where he unveiled the party’s manifesto titled A Compact for Nigeria’s Renewal.

He expressed concern that the inability of opposition politicians to reach common ground was weakening their capacity to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections.

According to Duke, the opposition must recognise that its responsibility extends beyond competing for political offices to defending democratic principles and ensuring that Nigerians have a credible government.

He said opposition parties did not necessarily have to abandon their individual identities or presidential ambitions to work together, but must agree on common principles and collective action.

“There has been a clarion call for the opposition to come together to address our common concerns. Not necessarily to compromise the ambitions of anybody but more importantly to ensure that rules are obeyed and a government for the people, by the people, emerges,” he said.

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Duke lamented that personal ambitions had continued to frustrate efforts to establish a formidable opposition coalition, warning that failure to learn from previous political experiences could have serious consequences.

He specifically referenced the 2023 presidential election, arguing that opposition politicians were repeating the same mistakes by allowing individual ambitions to take precedence over their collective objectives.

“Apparently, we are bedevilled by the EMI LOKAN syndrome. Our inability to stand forth as a rampart to ensure that the democracy that we fought hard to establish is not desecrated may come to haunt us if urgent steps are not taken.

“We erred in 2023 and we are repeating same in 2027. It is said, fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. The shame will certainly be on us,” he stated.

The PRP presidential candidate also insisted that discussions about opposition unity should not focus exclusively on who would emerge as the presidential candidate.

He argued that political parties must first establish a shared vision and agree on a credible programme capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges before deciding who should lead the coalition.

Speaking with journalists after the programme, Duke declared that he was prepared to support another opposition candidate if a democratic consensus produced someone considered more suitable to lead the alliance.

He maintained that politicians who advocate democracy must also be willing to accept collective decisions, even when such decisions do not favour their personal ambitions.

Duke said he would respect the outcome of any credible agreement reached by opposition parties.

“At the end of the day, I’m a sportsman about it,” he declared.

Beyond the question of opposition unity, Duke raised concerns about what he described as the alleged abuse of state power by the APC-led administration, accusing the government of weakening opposition parties through restrictions on campaign activities, political intimidation and the alleged manipulation of state institutions.

He expressed particular concern about the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), access to campaign venues and political advertising opportunities.

The former governor warned that the growing tension surrounding political competition could threaten democratic stability if opposition parties and the ruling government failed to respect democratic principles.

He drew parallels between the prevailing political atmosphere and the events preceding Nigeria’s 1966 political crisis, which eventually led to military intervention and the Nigerian Civil War.

Duke urged political leaders to learn from history and avoid actions that could undermine democratic institutions or deepen political divisions.

He also questioned the independence of the judiciary and INEC, although his allegations about political interference were not independently established by the claims he presented.

On the voters’ register, he expressed concern over irregularities ahead of the 2027 elections. INEC had announced the removal of 1,608,660 fictitious entries and identified 54 officials implicated in registration irregularities across 10 states.

Duke further criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, citing hunger, poverty, rising electricity and transportation costs, naira depreciation, higher taxes and insecurity as major challenges confronting Nigerians.

He argued that government performance should be measured by improvements in citizens’ welfare, safety and living conditions rather than the presentation of economic hardship as reform.

Also speaking at the retreat, PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to providing an alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Baba-Ahmed acknowledged the challenges facing opposition parties, particularly the financial and structural advantages enjoyed by incumbent political actors.

He said the PRP would require its candidates to sign a binding accountability agreement with their constituents to reinforce its commitment to responsible leadership and public service.

The party chairman also reaffirmed the PRP’s participation in the emerging Coalition for Democracy, stressing the importance of building a credible opposition capable of addressing Nigeria’s political, economic and security challenges.

Duke urged opposition politicians to adopt strategic approaches, overcome their differences and work together to protect democratic institutions, warning that their failure to do so could have consequences beyond the fortunes of individual political parties.

2027: ‘Either Me or Nobody’ Attitude Undermining Opposition Unity, Donald Duke Warns

2027: Atiku, Makinde Move Closer to Alliance Deal to Unseat Tinubu

Former Vice-President, Oyo Governor Hold Secret Talks, Reach Key Compromises as Opposition Coalition Gathers Momentum

ABUJA — Fresh political developments ahead of the 2027 presidential election have emerged following reports that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde are making significant progress towards forming a political alliance aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Representatives of the two prominent opposition figures have reportedly held a series of meetings and reached important compromises as negotiations gather momentum towards a possible political arrangement ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

The development comes amid growing efforts by opposition politicians to unite behind a common political platform capable of dislodging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to a report by Sunday PUNCH, the negotiations between Atiku and Makinde are separate from broader consultations involving other opposition leaders who are exploring the possibility of presenting a consensus presidential candidate against Tinubu.

Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has remained a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration and has previously supported efforts to build a united opposition front ahead of the next general election.

On April 25, 2026, the Oyo governor convened an opposition summit at the Government House in Ibadan, where political leaders discussed the possibility of presenting a single presidential candidate to challenge the APC.

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However, the initiative has faced difficulties, largely because prominent opposition figures, including Atiku, Makinde and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, have continued to maintain their individual presidential ambitions.

Despite the challenges, indications are emerging that political calculations may be changing as discussions between the different camps intensify.

Makinde reportedly confirmed on Friday that he was holding consultations with opposition leaders, including Atiku and Obi.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, the governor acknowledged that discussions were ongoing, stressing that the outcome could determine whether the politicians would eventually become political rivals or collaborators in the 2027 election.

“Depending on what we see between now and the election time, we may be rivals; we may be collaborators. One may be the client of the other,” Makinde was quoted as saying.

Sources familiar with the negotiations reportedly expressed optimism that an agreement between Atiku and Makinde was increasingly possible.

A South-West leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who spoke anonymously to Sunday PUNCH, described the negotiations as fresh, purposeful and promising.

The source expressed confidence that both camps were making progress and suggested that the proposed arrangement could be formally unveiled before January 16.

Similarly, an APM candidate familiar with Makinde’s political movement reportedly disclosed that the Oyo governor was likely to work with Atiku in the forthcoming presidential election.

According to the source, several virtual and physical meetings had taken place between representatives of the two politicians in recent weeks, with considerable progress reportedly recorded.

The source said the discussions had produced compromises and that both camps were working towards making their political arrangement public.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has acknowledged that Makinde is engaging other opposition leaders, although it stopped short of confirming that a final agreement had been reached with Atiku.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said Makinde was not opposed to working with other political tendencies if such an arrangement offered a realistic opportunity to address Nigeria’s challenges.

Oyelade described the politicians involved in the consultations as experienced political actors who understood the complexities of contemporary Nigerian politics.

He added that the governor was particularly concerned about the country’s economic difficulties and the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians.

The ADC has also confirmed that opposition parties remain engaged in discussions aimed at building a common political front against the ruling APC.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, told Sunday PUNCH that the consultations were not restricted to any particular political figure or party.

“All opposition parties are still talking. And it’s never too late,” Abdullahi reportedly stated.

Atiku’s camp also confirmed that the former vice-president was holding discussions with opposition leaders as part of efforts to establish a stronger political coalition ahead of the election.

His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the engagements were aimed at bringing opposition leaders together to provide Nigerians with an alternative to the current administration.

According to Shaibu, the objective was to restore responsible leadership, improve living conditions and address the country’s numerous challenges.

However, neither the ADC spokesperson nor Atiku’s aide specifically confirmed that a concluded agreement had been reached between Atiku and Makinde.

One of the major issues that could determine the success of the proposed alliance is the question of the presidential ticket and the political concessions both camps may be willing to make.

With Atiku, Makinde and Obi among the prominent opposition figures with presidential ambitions, reaching an acceptable power-sharing arrangement could prove difficult.

Political observers have continued to argue that the opposition’s chances of defeating Tinubu could be weakened if influential politicians insist on pursuing separate presidential tickets.

The reported negotiations therefore represent another significant development in the ongoing efforts to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general election.

The G-100 political pressure group, convened by former Director-General of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Salihu Lukman, is also reportedly working towards facilitating a broader opposition coalition.

The group has held consultations with prominent opposition figures, including Atiku, Obi and Makinde, as part of efforts to build consensus around a common political platform and a formidable presidential candidate.

Although the proposed Atiku-Makinde alliance has yet to be officially announced, the latest developments suggest that negotiations are gaining momentum.

Whether the emerging political understanding will eventually produce a united opposition capable of confronting Tinubu remains to be seen as the 2027 presidential election approaches.

2027: Atiku, Makinde Move Closer to Alliance Deal to Unseat Tinubu

2027: Atiku Pledges to Restore Fuel, Electricity Subsidies, Revive Kolmani Oil Exploration

BAUCHI — Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to restore petroleum and electricity subsidies if elected president in the 2027 general elections.

Atiku made the commitment on Saturday, November 14, during the ADC presidential campaign rally in Bauchi State, where he outlined some of his proposed economic policies and addressed the hardship facing Nigerians.

The former Vice-President also pledged to sustain oil exploration in the Kolmani oil field, located in the Bauchi-Gombe axis, describing the project as an additional source of revenue for the country.

Addressing party supporters at the rally, Atiku said his administration would reintroduce petroleum and electricity subsidies to reduce the economic pressure on households and businesses.

He argued that Nigerians needed relief from the rising cost of living, particularly the increasing expenses associated with transportation, electricity and other essential services.

The ADC presidential candidate maintained that restoring the subsidies would form part of his proposed economic recovery measures to improve the purchasing power of citizens and support struggling businesses.

His latest declaration comes amid continuing national debates over the removal of petrol subsidies and the changes to electricity subsidies.

Atiku also assured the people of Bauchi State that his administration would continue petroleum exploration activities in the Kolmani oil field if he wins the 2027 presidential election.

The project, which straddles Bauchi and Gombe states, has been regarded as an important opportunity for expanding Nigeria’s oil and gas resources beyond the traditional producing regions. However, exploration and development activities surrounding the project have faced delays.

Atiku told the gathering that completing and sustaining the exploration would provide Nigeria with another source of petroleum revenue.

“I also promise that I will continue the exploration of petroleum in Kolmani so that we will have an additional source of revenue,” he said.

Beyond his economic promises, the former Vice-President urged residents of Bauchi State to participate actively in the 2027 elections and ensure that their votes count.

He called on ADC supporters to mobilise voters across the state and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.

Atiku specifically urged voters to monitor the counting and electronic transmission of results before leaving their polling units.

“I want you to make sure you come out in your thousands, you vote for ADC, you ensure that the votes are counted and you ensure that the results are transmitted before you leave the polling unit,” he told supporters.

He further encouraged voters to pay attention to elections at every level, including the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly contests.

Atiku expressed appreciation to the people of Bauchi for their reception, promising to deliver purposeful governance and address the country’s economic challenges if elected president in 2027.

The rally forms part of the ADC’s efforts to mobilise support ahead of the next presidential election.

2027: Atiku Pledges to Restore Fuel, Electricity Subsidies, Revive Kolmani Oil Exploration