2027: Tinubu Is a Lion With Horns, Opposition Must Unite to Defeat Him – Donald Duke

Former Cross River State Governor and presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2027 general elections, Donald Duke, has warned opposition politicians against underestimating President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Duke said Tinubu is “not the average politician,” describing him as a highly determined and strategic political operator who is focused on achieving his objectives.

According to him, opposition parties seeking to challenge the incumbent president must set aside their personal ambitions and egos and unite, warning that a divided opposition would only make Tinubu’s re-election easier.

“When we talk of rigging, we have already rigged the elections against ourselves because of our egos, as we in the opposition have become factionalised,” Duke said.

He stressed that the electoral environment was already tilted in favour of the incumbent, making opposition unity essential if they hoped to mount a serious challenge.

“Everything is skewed in favour of the incumbent. The only way you can tackle the incumbent is to come together to have a voice; otherwise, you’ll be factionalised,” he said.

Using a vivid analogy, Duke warned opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, against approaching the 2027 contest separately.

“Bola Tinubu is not the average politician. You don’t go to fight a lion who also has horns. Can you imagine a lion with horns? It’s already a dangerous animal, and you say, ‘go and fight it with a knife and fork.’ You will be the dinner,” he said.

Duke also distinguished Tinubu from former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that the current president possesses a different political temperament and level of determination.

“Tinubu is not Jonathan. He’s a lion with horns. Imagine a lion with horns,” he added.

The PRP presidential candidate further described Tinubu as a politician who “doesn’t think within the box,” saying his determination and strategic approach have contributed to his political influence.

He also praised Tinubu’s record as Lagos State governor, describing him as “the most impactful governor of Lagos” and urging opposition politicians to recognise the scale of the challenge before them ahead of 2027.