former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) became too big and cocky for its own boots and paid for its arrogance with the loss of the presidential election.

Duke who starred as a guest on a Channels TV program during the week also added that he was once frustrated out of the PDP but he has since returned to contribute to its resurgence.

“Arrogance”, Donald Duke said grimly when asked what led to a dramatic turn in the fortunes of what was once Africa’s biggest party. “We went on as though the party would never end. I think it has to do with man’s primordial default mode…there was entrenched corruption and we acquired private jets all over the place”.

Duke recalls the moment when the PDP’s arrogance reached its apogee.

“Five Governors were leaving the party at the time and the PDP said they could leave”, Duke said, bemoaning the fact that the party did little to persuade the aggrieved Governors to have a change of heart.

He added that the PDP’s loss of power at the center was a good reawakening of some sort and a blessing for Nigeria’s fledgling democracy, while warning that it may probably take another 16 years for his party to regain power at the center. He advised the party to rebuild from the 10 States now under its control.

Duke also recounted his failed Presidential bid in 2007 and spoke of why he threw in the towel before the presidential primary; even though he was viewed as the best candidate on the party’s platform at the time.

“The party (PDP) and its machinery were supporting Yar’adua and once that became clear, I saw no reason to continue with the race”, he said, forlorn.

“It was clear Yar’adua didn’t seek the Presidency; if anything, the Presidency sought Yar’adua”, Duke added; palms clasped at what would have been.

Duke also said he is sad that his pet Tinapa project in Calabar–touted at the time as Africa’s premier Business Resort–has been left grounded owing to a lack of continuum in governance policy thrust and issues bordering on political will.

The music lover who is blessed with his fair share of good looks to boot also said he often looks forward to gracing the annual Calabar Carnival (Africa’s biggest street party) due to the adulation he receives on the streets of the ancient city for being the visionary and pioneer of the carnival.