The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, Donald Duke, has cautioned opposition politicians against challenging President Bola Tinubu as a divided force, warning that such an approach would likely end in failure.
Duke, a former governor of Cross River State, made the remarks during an interview shared on X by Imran Muhammad on Friday. He described Tinubu as a formidable opponent that opposition parties must not underestimate, stressing that the advantage of incumbency gives any sitting president enormous power during elections, particularly through control of government institutions.
Duke: 'You Don't Go to Fight a Lion Who Also Has Horns'
Speaking on the prospects of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, Duke argued that opposition unity is not just desirable but essential. He used a striking animal analogy to drive home his point about the risks of confronting the incumbent unprepared.
"Bola Tinubu is not an average politician. You don't go to fight a lion who also has horns," Duke said, emphasizing the political strength of the incumbent and the danger of facing him without adequate preparation.
He warned that fragmentation within the opposition camp would only benefit Tinubu, adding that rival parties and politicians would need to set aside personal ambitions if they hope to mount a credible challenge at the polls.
Alliances at the Centre of 2027 Strategy
Duke's remarks come at a time when opposition parties are actively exploring possible alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential election. His comments highlight one of the key questions that will shape the opposition's approach: whether competing politicians can overcome individual interests and agree on a common platform.
As a presidential candidate himself, Duke is among those who would need to navigate such negotiations. His willingness to publicly acknowledge Tinubu's political strength, while also calling for unity, reflects the difficult calculations facing opposition figures as the election draws closer.
The interview, shared on X, has drawn attention to the strategic considerations opposition leaders must weigh. Duke's analogy serves as a reminder that the path to unseating an incumbent president requires more than just ambition—it demands a coordinated and well-prepared effort.
