2027: Labour Party chieftain, Eze raises alarm over economic hardship in Nigeria

Eze Emmanuel Ezeh, a Labour Party chieftain from Ebonyi State, has expressed concern over the escalating cost of living in Nigeria under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government. In a recent statement, Ezeh warned that the deteriorating economic situation is likely to deepen hardship and further erode people's purchasing power.

He warned that the situation could progress from "broken pockets" to "broken dreams," and ultimately "broken homes and a broken society." Ezeh's criticism is rooted in the removal of petrol subsidies and other economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, which he claims have imposed substantial short-term pressures on households and businesses.

He expressed worry that these measures have disproportionately affected low-income households, small businesses, and young Nigerians struggling to secure employment. In his third-anniversary address in May 2026, President Tinubu acknowledged mounting fiscal pressures and the need for reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies.

However, Ezeh contends that the immediate impact of these reforms has been severe for vulnerable citizens, forcing them to make difficult choices between essential needs such as food, healthcare, education, and transportation. Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that Nigeria's economy grew by 3.89 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, while inflation reached 15.39 percent and food inflation stood at 19.57 percent under the rebased Consumer Price Index.

Despite these macroeconomic indicators, Ezeh asserts that they must translate into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians. He has challenged political leaders in the South-East to prioritize the interests of citizens in the upcoming 2027 election, urging them to focus on policies that address unemployment, enterprise development, security, infrastructure, and accountable governance.

Ezeh also called on Nigerians to scrutinize the records and policy proposals of political parties and candidates before casting their votes. He believes that the 2027 election should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to assess competing visions for the country's future, emphasizing the importance of leadership that treats governance as a responsibility rather than an entitlement.