Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has expressed confidence that former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke would emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election if the process is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

Datti made the remarks while defending Duke’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), describing him as a competent and experienced leader capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

According to the former senator, Duke possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience, and national appeal required to provide effective governance and drive meaningful reforms across the country.

He argued that in a credible electoral contest, the former Cross River governor would be well-positioned to defeat both incumbent President Bola Tinubu and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Datti also dismissed concerns surrounding Duke’s nomination, insisting that the former governor emerged through the party’s established internal processes and enjoys legitimate backing within the PRP.

He further maintained that many Nigerians are increasingly seeking credible alternatives to the country's traditional political actors and established power structures.

The former lawmaker suggested that the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections presents an opportunity for voters to consider candidates based on competence, vision, and track record rather than party loyalty alone.

His comments come amid growing political activities and realignments ahead of the next presidential election, with major political parties and emerging platforms already positioning themselves for the contest.

Recent developments have seen Peter Obi secure the presidential ticket of his party, while President Bola Tinubu is widely expected to seek a second term in office.

Donald Duke, who served as Governor of Cross River State between 1999 and 2007, remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent former governors and has frequently been mentioned in discussions about alternative leadership options at the national level.

As political preparations for 2027 gather momentum, Duke’s emergence under the PRP is expected to further shape conversations around the race for Nigeria’s highest office.