PRP clears Donald Duke, two others for presidential primaries

The Peoples Redemption Party has screened and cleared three presidential aspirants ahead of its presidential primaries scheduled for Monday, May 25, as the party intensifies preparations for the forthcoming general elections.

Among those cleared are former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke; notable economist, Dr Nnaoke Ufere from Abia State; and former African Action Congress presidential candidate, Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley from Edo State.

The development was disclosed on Saturday in a statement issued in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the PRP, Muhammed Ishaq.

Ishaq said the three aspirants have agreed to subject their ambitions to the outcome of a democratic process during the party’s nationwide primaries.

He said, “The three cleared presidential aspirants of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) have convened and unanimously agreed to submit their aspirations to the will of our party members during the upcoming primaries scheduled for May 25 across all parts of the country.”

The party said the aspirants’ conduct reflects the PRP’s commitment to internal democracy and consensus-building ahead of the polls.

“The PRP takes pride in the calibre of its aspirants, whose dedication to democratic principles and commitment to teamwork have further strengthened our party.

“We are committed to conducting credible, transparent, and free primaries, involving over 260 aspirants competing for various elective offices, especially in instances where consensus is not achievable.

“The PRP remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold democratic values and ensure a fair process for all aspirants and party members,” Ishaq added.

The PRP, one of Nigeria’s longstanding opposition parties founded on the ideology of the late politician, Aminu Kano, has in recent months sought to reposition itself ahead of the elections by attracting new entrants and expanding its base across the country, our correspondent reports.