Duke Claims Nigerians Prefer Military Rule Over Civilian Governance

Donald Duke, the former governor of Cross River State and presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, asserted that Nigerians are better off under military rule compared to the 27 years of civilian governance since 1999. He argued that the costs of governance have escalated without delivering significant improvements in citizens' lives.

Duke emphasized that the assessment of governance should focus on the welfare of citizens and the "democracy dividends" since the return to civilian rule. He pointed out that fundamental issues such as electrification and unemployment remain unresolved, and the healthcare system and education are deteriorating.

Duke criticized the weakened opposition and a political system where election results often do not reflect voters' wishes, leading to disenchantment with democracy. He described Nigeria's democratic system as a pretense, claiming that neither the legislature nor the judiciary effectively checks executive power, thus undermining accountability.