Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has predicted that former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, would emerge victorious if the 2027 presidential election is conducted freely and fairly.
Datti made the assertion during an interview on Symfoni TV’s Niger Unfiltered, where he threw his weight behind Duke, who recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
The former senator described Duke as one of the most qualified political figures in the country and argued that Nigerians have not fully appreciated the depth of his national appeal and leadership credentials.
“In a free and fair election in Nigeria, Donald Duke is the winner,” Datti declared.
When asked whether Duke could genuinely defeat established political figures such as President Bola Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Datti insisted that the former Cross River governor possesses qualities that distinguish him from other contenders.
According to him, Duke is a “true Nigerian” whose influence cuts across regional, ethnic and religious divides.
Datti recalled Duke’s long association with Northern Nigeria, noting that he spent much of his formative years in Sokoto and enjoys relationships with influential families across the region.
“He was adopted in President Shagari’s house like a son. There is not a single major northern family that does not know Donald Duke by name,” he said.
The former vice-presidential candidate also highlighted Duke’s educational background, legal career and record in public service, noting that he became governor at the age of 37 and served two terms in Cross River State.
He argued that unlike many politicians who remain under scrutiny years after leaving office, Duke has spent nearly two decades outside government without major corruption controversies.
Datti further dismissed comparisons between Duke and President Tinubu, insisting that both men have vastly different political records.
According to him, Duke’s years in business after leaving office have kept him connected to real economic challenges facing Nigerians, adding that experience gained in the private sector can be as valuable as experience acquired in government.
“Those of us who bring our experience from the business world are even better than those who have been in government misruling and misruling,” he said.
The PRP chieftain also argued that many Nigerians underestimated Peter Obi before the 2023 election and warned that a similar mistake could be made regarding Duke’s prospects.
“There is a kind of storm you will not know when it hits you. People saw Peter Obi’s movement coming. I think they may not see Donald Duke’s coming,” he said.
Datti maintained that if Duke campaigns effectively and presents a compelling vision for the country, he could emerge as the surprise candidate of the 2027 election.
