Donald Duke Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity Says Kidnappers Received ₦2 Trillion in 2025

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PRP Presidential Candidate Criticizes Leadership Failures Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Cross River State governor and presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, arguing that criminal groups now wield alarming influence across parts of the country.

Trending political news updates made available to GNN reveal that , speaking at an event in Abuja where party candidates received certificates and flags for the 2027 elections, Duke said the current state of insecurity reflects years of leadership failures and poor governance.

Duke Laments Growing Power of Criminal Networks

The former governor painted a troubling picture of conditions in parts of Nigeria, suggesting that kidnappers, bandits, and armed groups have become powerful enough to impose illegal levies on citizens while ordinary Nigerians continue to struggle for safety.

According to Donald Duke, the scale of the crisis is evident in reports indicating that an enormous amount of money was paid as ransom during 2025.

Gossip News Now reports that the PRP presidential hopeful referenced figures showing that approximately ₦2 trillion was allegedly paid to kidnappers within a single year, an amount he compared to a significant portion of the federal government’s spending plans.

Leadership Accused of Ignoring Critical Problems

While addressing party supporters, Duke argued that many of the country’s present challenges stem from decisions that should have been addressed long ago.

He maintained that effective leadership requires making difficult but necessary choices at the appropriate time rather than pursuing politically convenient options.

The politician suggested that Nigeria’s current difficulties did not emerge overnight but were the result of repeated failures to act decisively on issues affecting citizens.

Vision for a Safer and More Prosperous Nigeria

As part of his message, Donald Duke outlined his vision for a country where communities are secure and economic activities can flourish without fear.

He spoke about creating an environment where farmers can return to their fields safely, educational facilities are properly equipped, and opportunities are expanded for future generations.

The former governor emphasized that national development cannot be achieved without restoring confidence in security and public institutions.

PRP Targets Grassroots Support

A significant portion of Duke’s remarks focused on empowering ordinary Nigerians rather than concentrating political influence among established elites.

He described market traders, farmers, young graduates, and other everyday citizens as the backbone of the nation and argued that they deserve greater representation in governance.

According to him, the mission of the PRP is to champion the interests of these groups while offering an alternative political direction ahead of the next election cycle.

Political Battle Expected to Intensify

The presidential hopeful acknowledged that challenging entrenched political interests would not be easy, but insisted that meaningful change often requires determination and collective effort.

He encouraged supporters to remain committed to the party’s objectives, expressing confidence that a united movement could overcome significant obstacles.

His remarks reflected a broader campaign message centered on reform, accountability, and national renewal.

Commentary and Analysis

The comments by Donald Duke highlight growing concerns about insecurity and the economic consequences of criminal activities in Nigeria. Kidnapping for ransom remains one of the country’s most discussed security challenges, affecting communities, businesses, and public confidence.

By drawing attention to the reported scale of ransom payments, Duke sought to underscore the financial and social impact of insecurity on national development. His criticism also reflects a wider public debate about the effectiveness of government responses to security threats.

The emphasis on empowering ordinary citizens is another key aspect of his political messaging. Like many opposition figures, Duke is attempting to position himself as a representative of grassroots interests while challenging established political structures.

Ultimately, his remarks signal that security, governance, and economic opportunity are likely to remain central themes in political discussions as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.