2027: Violence could worsen Nigeria’s economic crisis - Muda Yusuf warns politicians

Economist Muda Yusuf has cautioned that political unrest preceding the 2027 Nigerian presidential election could exacerbate the nation's existing economic challenges. This warning emerged from a statement Yusuf released on Sunday, as political violence has intensified ahead of the upcoming general election. Recently, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan faced an encounter in London, while supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) were assaulted during a town hall meeting in Lagos.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also encountered controversy during Friday prayers at the Area 1 Garbi Central Mosque.

Yusuf, a former Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), expressed concern over the escalating cases of politically motivated violence, intimidation, and inflammatory rhetoric. He emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford an electoral process that exacerbates existing economic vulnerabilities or undermines the progress of ongoing economic reforms.

Yusuf urged the political class to prioritize national economic stability over partisan interests, stating that political competition should not result in violence, compromise state institution neutrality, or jeopardize investor confidence.

For Nigeria's democracy to thrive, Yusuf argued, it must be fortified through credible institutions and peaceful political competition, rather than weakened by violence and institutional partisanship.