PRP leader criticizes Donald Duke for remarks on Lagos-Calabar coastal road project

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A chieftain of the Peoples Redemption Party, Yakubu Kingsley, has called for a constructive approach to opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Kingsley said political opposition should be rooted in constructive criticism, objectivity and the presentation of alternative solutions rather than the wholesale rejection of government policies and projects.

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He made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday while reacting to comments by former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, on the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

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Duke, who is the presidential candidate of the PRP currently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, had during a television interview described the coastal highway as a misplaced priority of the Federal Government.

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However, Kingsley, who is challenging in court the May 25 primary that produced Duke as the party’s presidential candidate, said political differences should not prevent Nigerians from acknowledging what he considered positive government initiatives.

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“Opposition politics must be founded on constructive criticism, objectivity and alternative solutions, rather than an indiscriminate campaign to run down governments simply because they are in power,” he said.

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He said the principle should also guide the PRP, stressing that the party should be willing to acknowledge good government policies while pointing out areas requiring improvement.

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“By virtue of its history and philosophy, the party should not criticise government merely for political expediency. Where government policies or projects are wrong, the PRP should identify the problems, explain their consequences and provide credible alternatives. Where government gets something right, the party should have the courage and objectivity to acknowledge it,” Kingsley said.

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Speaking from his professional background as an engineer and highway engineer, Kingsley said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway had significant potential to improve transportation and economic connectivity along Nigeria’s coastline.

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He commended the Federal Government for what he described as the project’s “broad project scoping, strategic corridor alignment and the engineering concept underpinning the development.”

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According to him, the project could contribute to inter-city and regional connectivity, reduce travel distances and travel time, improve freight movement and stimulate economic activities.

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He added, “From an engineering perspective, the coastal highway represents a significant long-term transportation infrastructure intervention, particularly in terms of inter-city and regional connectivity, corridor development, reduction of travel distances and travel time.”

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Kingsley added that the project could also facilitate the integration of coastal communities and support tourism, logistics, industrial development and the emergence of new economic corridors.

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“Its scale, alignment and strategic corridor concept also offer opportunities for integrated development of complementary infrastructure, including bridges and interchanges, drainage and flood-control systems, road safety facilities, service areas, logistics infrastructure and other transport-related facilities,” he said.

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The PRP chieftain, however, acknowledged the need for scrutiny of the project, particularly concerning its cost, financing, procurement, environmental impact, right-of-way management, construction methodology, quality control, value for money and long-term maintenance.

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“Such scrutiny, however, should not prevent objective recognition of the potential engineering and developmental significance of the project,” he said.

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Kingsley urged PRP candidates contesting governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly seats in 2027 to focus their campaigns on issues and present clear alternatives to voters.

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“Rather than spending their campaigns merely attacking incumbent governments, PRP candidates should demonstrate how their programmes will improve security, education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, infrastructure, industrialisation, social welfare and the overall wellbeing of citizens within their respective jurisdictions,” he said.

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He stressed that his commendation of the coastal highway did not amount to an endorsement of the Tinubu administration’s performance in all areas.

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He stated “The truth must be spoken; the present administration has, in several critical respects, failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians, particularly in addressing insecurity, poverty, unemployment, energy poverty, rising living costs, institutional weaknesses, infrastructure deficits and the widening gap between government and the governed.”

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Kingsley said Nigerians deserved a government capable of addressing the country’s broader development challenges, adding that his political platform was offering what he described as an alternative based on competence, accountability and people-centred governance.

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He said, “Our objective is not simply to criticise those in power, nor to seek political office for its own sake, but to present a comprehensive programme of government built around people-centred policies, measurable programmes and actionable solutions.”

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

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The development comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the polls.

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