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The Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling APC of placing the 2027 election above the pressing needs of Nigerians.
The lawmakers say the government appears more concerned about political positioning than tackling insecurity, inflation, and worsening living conditions.
Caucus leader Afam Victor Ogene, in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, warned that the country is facing serious challenges that require immediate attention.
He stressed that although the President has the right to seek re-election, the administration must not lose focus on the responsibilities of governance.
According to the lawmakers, insecurity is spreading across several states, contractors are protesting unpaid funds for completed projects, and federal ministries are struggling with poor budget implementation.
They argued that the situation has created deep economic hardship and stalled development in many areas.
Also, the Labour Party caucus faulted the government for ignoring key provisions of the Appropriation Act and questioned major spending decisions, including the controversial Lagos–Calabar coastal road project.
They said many Nigerians preparing to travel during the festive period now fear bad road conditions and rising attacks by armed groups.
Another major concern was the handling of a huge pipeline-security contract.
The lawmakers raised questions over the opaque expenditure of N17.5 trillion in 2024, comparing it to the cost of the 12-year fuel subsidy regime, which they noted at least provided direct relief to citizens.
They stated: “Nigerians would remember that over a 12-year period, the country spent about N18 trillion on subsidy(which benefitted everyone through affordable transportation and cheaper costs of foodstuffs), but on the excuse of lack of funds to sustain the subsidy regime, this administration has clearly robbed Peter(Nigerians), to pay Paul(cronies), through a questionable pipeline-security contract whose executors are unknown.”
They concluded with a message to the President:
“So, while the country sits on the precipice, all Mr. President thinks about is to return to power in 2027.
Mr. President, while your quest is a legitimate aspiration, please do well to attend to the current stark realities confronting Nigerians.”
