2027: Donald Duke Needs Grassroots Network, Broad Alliance to Win — Adeshina

LAGOS — Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) Lagos State Chairman James Adeshina has said presidential candidate Donald Duke has the potential to win the 2027 election if he combines his national appeal with a strong grassroots organisation and a broad political coalition.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday, Adeshina described Duke, a former two-term governor of Cross River State, as an experienced politician capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative.

He cautioned, however, that public recognition alone would not be sufficient to secure the presidency, arguing that Duke must develop a nationwide political structure and build strategic alliances.

“Winning the 2027 presidential election will require more than personal popularity or public recognition. It will require a strong grassroots political structure, strategic alliances and a disciplined campaign capable of reaching voters across Nigeria,” he said.

Adeshina urged Duke to begin consultations with PRP stakeholders, including state chairmen, local government leaders and ward officials, saying such engagement could provide the foundation for a wider political platform.

He emphasised the importance of ward-level organisation, describing it as the bedrock of electoral politics in the country.

“The ward remains the foundation of electoral politics in Nigeria. Any presidential candidate who wants to win must understand that national visibility must be converted into grassroots organisation,” Adeshina said.

Call for Broad Political Coalition

The PRP chairman advised Duke to seek partnerships with progressive political parties, civil society groups, youth organisations, professional bodies, community leaders and other influential groups.

He said any coalition should focus on shared national interests and principles rather than personal political calculations.

Adeshina also urged Duke to establish campaign structures spanning the 36 states, local government areas, wards and polling units.

“The 2027 election will not be won on social media alone. Donald Duke must establish structures from the state level down to local governments, wards and polling units,” he said.

Duke Urged to Present Clear Policy Agenda

According to Adeshina, Duke must also provide Nigerians with practical answers to the country’s major economic and social challenges.

He listed unemployment, inflation, insecurity, inadequate power supply, healthcare, education and the rising cost of living among the issues that should form the centre of the campaign.

“Nigerians need to know how a Donald Duke presidency would address unemployment, inflation, power supply, insecurity, education, healthcare and the high cost of living.

“The campaign must communicate practical solutions rather than slogans,” he said.

Adeshina also urged Duke to give young Nigerians a prominent role in his political organisation.

“Young people should not merely be mobilised to attend rallies; they should participate in policy development, digital mobilisation, campaign management and governance planning,” he said.

He said the 2027 election should focus on competence, ideas, accountability and a clear vision for Nigeria’s future.

The PRP chairman encouraged Duke to present himself as an alternative to the established political order while working with existing political structures rather than treating them merely as campaign tools.

“Party chairmen, ward leaders and other grassroots stakeholders possess valuable knowledge of their communities and the electorate. They must be treated as partners, not merely as campaign machinery,” Adeshina said.

Adeshina urged Duke to begin his political engagement through dialogue and consultation with PRP leaders and grassroots stakeholders.

“If Donald Duke is serious about the 2027 presidency, I encourage him to begin by sitting down with PRP stakeholders, state chairmen and ward leaders to discuss the future of Nigeria and explore areas of cooperation.

“The 2027 election should not simply be about who occupies the presidency. It should be about what kind of Nigeria we want to build,” he said.

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