Presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has decried the worsening state of insecurity and governance in Nigeria, lamenting that criminal groups have become so emboldened that they now impose taxes on citizens in some parts of the country.
Duke accused Nigeria's political leadership of failing to address critical national challenges over the years, arguing that poor governance has created an environment where bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements operate with alarming influence.
The former Cross River State governor made the remarks in Abuja during the presentation of Certificates of Return and party flags to candidates of the PRP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
'Bandits Collect Taxes While Government Offers Excuses'
Speaking at the event, Duke painted a grim picture of the country's security situation, stating that many communities have been left vulnerable as criminal groups increasingly exert control over local populations.
According to him, the situation has deteriorated to the point where kidnappers and armed gangs collect levies from residents while government authorities struggle to provide effective solutions.
"Our land has become so desolate that bandits, gangsters and kidnappers collect taxes while the government collects excuses," he said.
The PRP flagbearer cited figures he attributed to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, claiming that Nigerians paid approximately ₦2 trillion in ransom to kidnappers in 2025 alone.
He argued that the amount represents a significant drain on the nation's resources and reflects the scale of the insecurity challenge confronting the country.
Duke blamed the development on years of leadership failures, insisting that many of Nigeria's current problems could have been avoided if public officials had consistently prioritised the national interest over political expediency.
"All this is because our leaders failed to do what was right when it was necessary to do so," he said. "The best politics has always been about doing the right thing, not merely doing what is convenient."
Promises Safer Communities and Better Education
Outlining his vision for the country, Duke pledged to build a Nigeria where citizens can live and work without fear of violence or abduction.
He said his administration would focus on restoring security, reviving agriculture and improving access to quality education.
According to him, farmers should be able to cultivate their land and return home safely, while children deserve access to conducive learning environments equipped with basic educational facilities.
He also emphasised the need to create opportunities for young Nigerians through policies that encourage economic growth, employment and social development.
'Time for Ordinary Nigerians to Take Power'
Duke further argued that Nigeria's traditional political elite have had ample opportunities to lead the country but have failed to deliver the desired transformation.
He said the PRP's mission is to place power in the hands of ordinary Nigerians, including market women, farmers, artisans, workers and unemployed graduates who bear the brunt of the country's economic and social challenges.
"The political elite have had their turn. Now it is the turn of the common man, the true Nigerian, the market woman, the farmer and the unemployed graduate," he declared.
Describing himself as a champion of ordinary citizens, Duke called on Nigerians to unite behind what he termed a movement for national renewal.
While acknowledging that the political battle ahead would be difficult, he expressed confidence that determined citizens could reclaim the country from leaders he accused of prioritising personal interests over public welfare.
"This struggle will not be easy because those benefiting from the current system will resist change. But our resolve is stronger, and our cause is just," he said.
The remarks come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with opposition figures increasingly focusing on issues of insecurity, economic hardship and governance as key campaign themes