PRP Leader Criticizes Donald Duke on Coastal Highway Remarks

A leader of the Peoples Redemption Party, Yakubu Kingsley, has called for a better way to do opposition politics before the 2027 general elections.

Kingsley said political opposition should focus on constructive criticism, facts, and offering alternative solutions instead of just rejecting government policies and projects outright.

He made this statement in Abuja on Sunday while reacting to former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke's comments about the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Duke, the presidential candidate of the PRP recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, said in a TV interview that the coastal highway is a misplaced priority for the Federal Government.

But Kingsley, who is currently in court challenging the May 25 primary that named Duke as the party’s presidential candidate, said political disagreements should not stop Nigerians from recognizing positive government efforts.

“Opposition politics must be based on constructive criticism, facts, and alternative solutions, not just a blind campaign against governments because they are in power,” he said.

He said this principle should guide the PRP, emphasizing that the party should acknowledge good government policies while also pointing out areas that need work.

“Given its history and philosophy, the party should not criticize government just for political gain. When government policies or projects are wrong, the PRP should highlight the issues, explain the effects, and suggest credible alternatives. When government does something right, the party should have the courage to recognize it,” Kingsley said.

Speaking as an engineer, Kingsley said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has great potential to improve transport and economic links along Nigeria’s coastline.

He praised the Federal Government for what he called the project’s “good project planning, strategic alignment, and engineering ideas.”

According to him, the project could help improve travel between cities, reduce travel time, ease freight movement, and boost economic activities.

He added, “From an engineering viewpoint, the coastal highway is a major long-term transport project, especially for city connections, corridor development, and reducing travel distances and time.”

Kingsley also noted that the project could help unify coastal communities and support tourism, logistics, and industrial growth.

“Its size, alignment, and strategic plan create chances for developing related infrastructure, like bridges and interchanges, drainage systems, road safety features, service areas, and other transport facilities,” he said.

However, the PRP leader recognized the need to carefully check the project, especially regarding its cost, funding, procurement, environmental impact, land management, construction methods, quality control, value for money, and long-term upkeep.

“Such checks should not stop us from recognizing the potential engineering and development importance of the project,” he said.

Kingsley urged PRP candidates running for governor, senator, House of Representatives, and state House of Assembly seats in 2027 to focus their campaigns on real issues and present clear alternatives to voters.

“Instead of just attacking current governments, PRP candidates should show how their plans will improve security, education, healthcare, agriculture, jobs, infrastructure, and welfare for citizens in their areas,” he said.

He stressed that his praise of the coastal highway does not mean he supports everything about the Tinubu administration’s performance.

He said, “The truth must be told; the current government has, in many key areas, not met Nigerians' expectations, especially in fighting insecurity, poverty, unemployment, energy issues, rising living costs, weak institutions, infrastructure problems, and the gap between the government and the people.”

Kingsley said Nigerians deserve a government that can tackle the country’s bigger development issues. He added that his political platform offers an alternative based on competence, accountability, and people-focused governance.

He said, “Our goal is not just to criticize those in power or seek political office for its own sake, but to offer a clear government plan focused on people’s needs, measurable programs, and practical solutions.”

He called for peaceful, credible, and issue-based campaigns for the 2027 elections, urging political parties and candidates to prioritize the interests of Nigerians above politics.

This development comes as parties and candidates gear up for the 2027 general elections.