Ex-Cross River Gov Donald Duke Says Nigerians Better Off Under Military Rule

Former Cross River State Governor and PRP presidential candidate Donald Duke argues that Nigerians were better off under military rule than under the current democratic system. Speaking in an interview over the weekend, Duke said that despite 27 years of civilian governance since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, ordinary citizens’ welfare has not improved and democracy dividends remain elusive. He pointed out that the number of children out of school has deteriorated, the healthcare system is worsening, and persistent problems such as poor infrastructure, unemployment, and inadequate electricity supply persist unchanged since before 1999.

Duke also criticized the political opposition as weak and self‑serving, saying many Nigerians have lost faith in elections because they believe their votes do not count. He warned that democratic institutions are failing to provide checks and balances, citing the rushed approval of the former national anthem as an example of legislative neglect. The former governor blamed the country’s elite for abandoning leadership responsibilities and allowing politics to become a permanent occupation for a select few, which he said widens the gap between rich and poor and threatens social stability.

Despite his criticism, Duke expressed disappointment rather than hopelessness, stressing that Nigeria possesses the human and material resources needed for progress. Given these ongoing challenges, what specific reforms do you think would most effectively restore public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/07/nigerians-better-off-under-military-rule-donald-duke/