Posted by Chinenye on Tue 10th Nov, 2026 - tori.ng
Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke has criticised Nigerian politicians, saying many are more interested in power and personal benefits than solving the country's problems.
(Donald Duke. Photo Credit: The Sun Nigeria)
Former Cross River governor Donald Duke, the PRP presidential candidate, says Nigeria's political class is putting personal gain ahead of the national interest.
Speaking in an online interview on Tuesday, he said the country has the people and resources to grow, but leaders keep chasing power and privileges while insecurity, unemployment, power shortages and crumbling infrastructure get worse.
He said public office is too often treated as a route to personal advancement, which makes it hard for leaders to take tough decisions that may not pay off politically.
He argued that politicians must be willing to put the country first, even if it costs them.
Duke also criticised the opposition.
He said too many candidates are focused on who gets the top job instead of what they would do with it.
He called on opposition figures to find common ground, agree on a shared platform and give voters a real alternative, rather than splitting the vote.
He added that the opposition could become a serious force if its leaders worked together.
He said he joined the presidential race not just to win, but to show that Nigeria can be governed differently.
Public office is a job meant to help everyone not a prize to make yourself rich or powerful.