Donald Duke warns Nigeria faces deepening crisis without urgent intervention

The former Cross River State governor, who served from 1999 to 2007, stated in an interview on Arise News that if the country's trajectory is not altered within the next four years, it risks plunging into a deeper crisis. He highlighted issues such as slow economic growth, a collapsed security architecture, and poor governance. Duke pointed to the economy not growing, high interest rates, and a lack of effective governance over the past two decades, citing security challenges like Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry, and kidnapping as symptoms of these inadequacies.

He also referenced a recent scandal involving an alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council operating without government authorization as an example of poor governance. Duke explained his decision to run for president stems from the urgent need to address these issues. He also voiced concern over the large number of political parties in Nigeria, urging the opposition to unite for the country's future, emphasizing the need for a leader who can bridge divides.

He stressed the importance of assembling a competent team for governance, distinguishing it from politics, and ensuring appointees prioritize improving the country.