Former Cross River State Governor and Peoples Redemption Party presidential candidate, Donald Duke, has expressed concern over the direction of Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu, despite maintaining a longstanding personal relationship with the President.
Duke made the remarks during an interview with SYMFONI Television on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
The former governor described Tinubu as a friend, former classmate and political colleague, while acknowledging the President’s determination and political resilience.
According to Duke, his personal relationship with Tinubu has not prevented him from criticising policies and decisions he believes are detrimental to the country.
“The President is my friend; we were classmates and colleagues. I like his guts; he is a determined person, but I don’t like where he’s taking us,” Duke said.
Duke stressed that his criticism was not motivated by personal animosity or political rivalry, arguing that friendship should not prevent citizens from holding leaders accountable.
He expressed particular concern about the administration’s handling of the economy, electricity, infrastructure and other national priorities.
The former governor said Nigeria has significant human and economic resources but requires effective leadership and policies capable of converting those resources into improved living standards and greater productivity for citizens.
Duke’s comments underscore the distinction between personal relationships and political accountability, with the former governor making it clear that his friendship with Tinubu would not stop him from speaking out against policies he believes are taking the country in the wrong direction.
