The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate in Enugu State for the 2027 general elections, Ray Kene Ogbodo, has backed the position of the party’s presidential candidate, Donald Duke, and National Chairman, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, on the proposed coalition of opposition parties ahead of the elections.
Ogbodo, in a statement issued to the media by his Media Aide, Hon. Don Victor, described the willingness to explore democratic cooperation while preserving the PRP’s identity as an important contribution to the debate on opposition unity.
He said Nigeria needed political cooperation built on shared values, credible leadership and a clear programme for national renewal, rather than an arrangement driven by the personal ambitions of politicians.
“Nigeria needs political cooperation founded on shared values, credible leadership, and a clear programme for national renewal. A coalition should be about the future of Nigerians, not merely the political survival or ambitions of individual politicians,” he stated.
The former 2023 Enugu governorship candidate welcomed Duke’s declaration that he would respect a democratically agreed consensus presidential candidate, while stressing the need for a common national vision before any political arrangement is concluded.
He also endorsed Baba-Ahmed’s position that the PRP should not surrender its political identity or abandon the principles upon which it was established.
Ogbodo said any coalition involving the party must preserve its commitment to social justice, equality, accountable governance and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“I support cooperation without political surrender, unity without loss of identity, and collective action without sacrificing principles,” he said.
He urged opposition parties to ensure that discussions about coalition-building addressed the country’s major challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, corruption and the protection of democratic institutions.
According to him, Nigerians deserve more than an electoral alliance, insisting that political parties must present practical solutions capable of improving the living conditions of citizens.
“The real question is not only who will lead a coalition, but what that coalition intends to deliver. Nigerians deserve a credible programme for economic recovery, institutional reform, national security, and shared prosperity,” he added.
Ogbodo also expressed concern over reports of intimidation, restrictions on opposition political activities and electoral violence, calling on political parties and security agencies to respect the constitutional rights of citizens.
He maintained that any political cooperation ahead of 2027 should be anchored on peaceful campaigns, credible elections, transparent electoral processes and respect for the people’s democratic choices.
On Enugu State, the PRP candidate reaffirmed his commitment to ethical leadership, economic empowerment, public accountability and development focused on improving the welfare of ordinary residents.
He said his political aspiration was driven by the belief that public office should serve the interests of the majority rather than a privileged few.
“My political aspiration is anchored on the belief that public office must serve the many, not merely the privileged few. Enugu needs leadership that places human welfare, opportunity, integrity, and institutional accountability at the centre of governance,” he said.
He urged political leaders participating in the coalition discussions to demonstrate transparency, mutual respect and a willingness to place national interest above personal ambition.
Ogbodo concluded that Nigeria’s future should take precedence over the interests of individual candidates, political parties or coalitions, adding that any arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections must strengthen democracy and offer citizens a credible vision for national development.