A former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke has accepted the presidential nomination of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), pledging to focus on security, economic growth and improved governance if elected.
Duke received the party’s flag and certificate of return at a ceremony held in Abuja, where candidates were formally presented ahead of the general election.
Speaking at the event, he said he was entering the race with a commitment to contribute to national development and strengthen key sectors of the economy.
“I am stepping into this race with fire in my heart and Nigeria in my blood,” he said.
Enabling Environment for Business
The former governor said government must create an enabling environment for citizens to be productive, stressing that security remains central to national development.
Duke said; “my priorities would include; investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and the justice system to support economic growth.”
He also called for stronger support for local production, job creation and value addition to indigenous products, noting that Nigeria must reduce its dependence on imports.
“We must produce what we need. We cannot keep the factories of the world producing while ours are shut down,” Duke said.
Improve Agriculture
Duke also stressed the need to improve agricultural production through better access to credit and guaranteed markets for farmers.
He maintained that security challenges must be addressed through stronger intelligence gathering and more effective community-based policing.
The National Chairman of the PRP, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, described the ceremony as a demonstration of the party’s commitment to transparent processes and national development.
Baba-Ahmed said the party had confidence in its candidates and expressed optimism about their ability to offer credible leadership.
Also speaking, the PRP governorship candidate for Bauchi State, Senator Shehu Buba-Umar, and the party’s senatorial candidate for the Federal Capital Territory, Juliet Muoneme, called for unity, inclusiveness and greater participation of women in governance.
They pledged commitment to service and democratic values.
The PRP leadership expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible elections and urged Nigerians to support the party’s vision for national development.
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