By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
Former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, has officially entered the 2027 presidential race under the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party, further deepening the growing scramble among southern politicians for the nation’s top office while the North appears largely united around former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The PRP announced on Saturday that Duke was among three aspirants cleared to participate in the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for May 25, 2026.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq.
Other aspirants cleared by the party include Dr. Nnaoke Ufere from Abia State and Engr. Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley from Edo State. According to the statement, all three contenders agreed to abide by the outcome of the party’s democratic process during the nationwide primaries.
The development adds another southern heavyweight to the widening list of presidential hopefuls ahead of the 2027 elections, raising concerns among political observers over possible fragmentation of southern votes and interests.
While several politicians from the South continue to declare ambitions across different political parties, the North is increasingly viewed as consolidating around Atiku Abubakar as a leading consensus figure.
The PRP described its aspirants as experienced politicians committed to democratic principles and party unity, assuring members that the primaries would be transparent, credible, and fair to all contestants.
The party also disclosed that more than 260 aspirants would participate in various elective contests nationwide where consensus arrangements fail.
Duke, who governed Cross River State between 1999 and 2007, remains one of the most recognizable political figures from southern Nigeria. His entry into the race is expected to attract national attention as political alignments and regional calculations ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to gather momentum.
