Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Former Cross River State governor Donald Duke has publicly called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to end his persistent quests for Nigeria’s presidency, asserting that it is time for the veteran politician to step aside and transition into a role as a political kingmaker rather than a perennial candidate. The comments were delivered as Duke formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that adds fresh momentum to efforts to reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking in Calabar on January 30, 2026, Duke framed his critique within a broader assessment of Nigeria’s political dynamics and the state of the main opposition party. In a blunt statement aimed at Atiku, he said: “Atiku should stop running; he is not Abraham Lincoln,” a reference to the 16th president of the United States who is often invoked in Nigerian political discourse due to a belief — frequently mischaracterised — that Lincoln persisted through several unsuccessful bids before winning office. Duke noted that, unlike Lincoln, Atiku’s repeated attempts to secure the presidency have not yielded success, and he argued that such persistence now detracts from the cause of political renewal.
Duke’s remarks were part of a broader narrative in which he criticised the PDP as burdened by what he described as “inimical baggage.” He suggested that Nigeria’s current political challenges require fresh leadership and that the opposition must transcend longstanding rivalries and old structures if it hopes to pose a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Duke’s decision to join the ADC was framed as an affirmation of this belief, with party leaders welcoming his entry as a major boost that could help consolidate what they call a “Third Force” coalition.
Duke made clear that his call for Atiku to step aside is rooted in both principle and political strategy. He argued that a new generation of leaders — unencumbered by decades-long rivalries and entrenched party hierarchies — are better positioned to galvanise public support across Nigeria’s diverse electorate. “It is time to step aside and become a kingmaker,” he said, implying that seasoned politicians like Atiku could instead play a pivotal mentorship role.
The comparison to Abraham Lincoln referenced by Duke was repeated in his critique, though the historical analogy has been a subject of debate. Lincoln’s own political trajectory involved setbacks, but he did not repeatedly contest the U.S. presidency in the same way many Nigerian politicians have pursued their ambitions. Duke’s use of the comparison appears intended to highlight perceived diminishing returns from repetitive candidacies and to encourage a departure from what he sees as an ineffective strategy.
Atiku Abubakar, who has been a central figure in Nigerian politics for decades, remains committed to his 2027 presidential bid. His media team has responded by emphasising his ongoing participation in party primaries and his belief that his experience — including as a seasoned administrator and previous candidate — equips him to challenge the current federal government and address pressing national issues. Officials within the PDP have also signalled internal resilience despite defections and leadership shifts, asserting that the party will continue to field candidates with broad appeal.
Political analysts note that Duke’s intervention reflects deeper debates within Nigeria’s opposition about strategy, power rotation, and generational leadership. The fragmentation of major political parties, internal tensions over zoning arrangements and the role of veteran politicians underscore broader questions about how Nigeria’s political class should adapt to evolving voter expectations and the demands of governance.
Duke’s call for political renewal comes amid a backdrop of competitive realignments, with other prominent figures reportedly in discussions about forming alternative coalitions that could challenge established party dominance. Some speculation around the ADC and potential alliances suggests that opposition realignment could be a defining feature of the 2027 electoral cycle, particularly as politicians seek to balance regional interests with the quest for national political traction.
Observers also note that generational change is a theme resonating beyond individual personalities. Many Nigerians have expressed frustration with longstanding political actors who appear repeatedly in successive election cycles without achieving transformative results. Calls for new leadership pipelines, accountability mechanisms and broader inclusion in the political process have grown, especially among younger voters who feel marginalised by traditional power structures.
Duke’s departure from the PDP and embracement of the ADC underscores a broader realignment within Nigeria’s political landscape. Whether his call for Atiku to step aside will influence other veteran politicians or reshape internal party debates remains to be seen. What is clear is that these developments are intensifying discussions about representation, leadership succession and democratic renewal as Nigeria approaches a pivotal election year.
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