…rated among Nigeria’s most promising presidential candidates in 2 decades
Former Cross River state governor and presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has been rated by an international publication, Global Hukum Indonesia, as one of Nigeria’s most promising presidential candidates in two decades.
- …rated among Nigeria’s most promising presidential candidates in 2 decades
- ALSO READ: ‘INEC has failed,’ Donald Duke demands technology-driven electoral system
Internet checks revealed that Hukum Indonesia is a national scientific journal described as “A double-blind, peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by Riviera Publishing every three months.”
Duke emerged as one of the first set of governors elected after Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. He was elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The report said Duke was attracting increasing attention from international political and economic observers ahead of the election.
The paper stated: “Media organisations in the United States, Europe and Asia, including those based in Washington, D.C., Brussels, China, Malaysia and Indonesia, were closely monitoring his campaign.”
ALSO READ: ‘INEC has failed,’ Donald Duke demands technology-driven electoral system
The report highlighted Duke’s vision and governance record as evidence of the leadership required to implement comprehensive national reforms.
The report stated further: “In response to Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges, Duke is committed to far-reaching structural reforms aimed at building a fair, transparent and corruption-free government.
“Combating corruption in government institutions is central to Duke’s strategy to restore the confidence of domestic and international investors, reduce poverty, improve public welfare and position Nigeria as a leading economic powerhouse on the African continent.”
Duke is one of the 18 presidential candidates on the final list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the January 16 election.
The report stated that: “Duke as a candidate is capable of leading Nigeria out of its current difficulties and towards sustainable economic growth.
“Education is a key pillar of Duke’s national strategy and his position is that education is not only a right but also a fundamental obligation.
“His programme envisages the modernisation of Nigeria’s basic and higher education systems to ensure that young Nigerians, regardless of their social or economic backgrounds, have access to quality education and equal opportunities to compete globally.”
The report further highlighted Duke’s proposed national Artificial Intelligence strategy, which is designed to harness technological advancement for national development.
The report said: “Under the plan, AI tools would be integrated into public administration to streamline government operations, improve public services, enhance transparency and support the deployment of digital systems in the fight against corruption.
“The strategy also envisages using AI to accelerate digital transformation in agriculture, manufacturing, fintech and other strategic sectors, alongside a nationwide digital literacy programme to prepare Nigerians for an increasingly AI-driven global economy.
“The programme would also expand the deployment of modern technology and AI across public infrastructure, healthcare and public safety.”
The publication said international analysts viewed Duke as possessing a combination of global perspective and capacity for local execution, with a vision capable of responding to technological developments while addressing Nigeria’s domestic challenges.
It presented his approach as a potential blueprint for restoring Nigeria’s economic strength and influence as the country approaches the 2027 presidential election.