BY AHMED AKANBI
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has vowed that his administration will prioritise competence and integrity over political loyalty in appointments if elected President in the 2027 the general elections.
Duke, a former Governor of Cross River State, made the declaration on Wednesday during a national television programme.
He said Nigeria’s mounting challenges can only be addressed by putting the right people with capacity in government, not those who campaigned for the president.
The former governor, who served between 1999 and 2007, said the era of rewarding political patronage must end.
“Politics ends after the election. Governance begins with assembling the best hands to move the country forward,” Duke stated.
He argued that his record in office showed his commitment to leaving institutions stronger than he met them.
According to him, winning an election should signal the end of politicking and the start of serious governance.
“It’s not those who rallied around you during the campaign that should determine the quality of governance. Politics is over; governance is about getting the best team,” Duke added.
He maintained that public offices should be occupied by Nigerians with the competence and integrity to deliver results, noting that this approach is critical to building strong institutions and achieving national development goals.