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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Nigeria needs competence, not loyalty, says ex-governor Donald Duke

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

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  • Donald Duke, a presidential candidate for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Nigeria's 2027 election, emphasized that competence and integrity should be prioritized over political loyalty for government appointments.
  • Duke, a former governor of Cross River State, stated that his administration would focus on meritocracy, ending the practice of rewarding political patronage.
  • He argued that winning an election marks the start of governance, requiring the assembly of the best team to achieve the country's development objectives.

Donald Duke, a presidential candidate for Nigeria's 2027 general election, has declared that competence, integrity, and capacity must take precedence over political loyalty to effectively tackle the nation's mounting challenges and establish robust institutions.

My record speaks of my intention to leave a place better than I met it.

— Donald DukeDuring an interview, reflecting on his past performance as governor.

Duke, who previously served as the governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007, asserted that his administration, if elected, would center appointments to key government positions on merit. He aims to dismantle the prevailing culture of rewarding political patronage, stating, "My record speaks of my intention to leave a place better than I met it."

During an interview, Duke articulated his belief that the conclusion of an election should signal the commencement of serious governance. He emphasized the president's responsibility to assemble a team of the most capable individuals to drive the country's development agenda. "Politics ends after the election. Governance begins with assembling the best hands to move the country forward," he stated.

Politics ends after the election. Governance begins with assembling the best hands to move the country forward.

— Donald DukeExplaining his approach to post-election government formation.

The former governor stressed that political supporters and campaign loyalists should not dictate government appointments. Instead, public offices should be filled by individuals possessing the requisite competence and integrity to deliver tangible results. "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," he added. Duke further insisted that every appointee must adhere to a single creed: "leave the country better than you met it."

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.

— Donald DukeEmphasizing meritocracy in government appointments.

According to the PRP candidate, Nigeria's current economic and institutional difficulties necessitate visionary leadership capable of prioritizing national interests above partisan considerations. He maintained that reinforcing public institutions is crucial for restoring citizens' trust in government and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable economic development.

Every appointee must have one creed: leave the country better than you met it.

— Donald DukeStating the guiding principle for all government appointees.
About this summary

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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