Labour Party Caucus To Tinubu: Focus On Security, Welfare Not 2027 Politics

The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has said it is disappointed and concerned that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are prioritising 2027 politics over the welfare and security of Nigerians.

The caucus described the act as insensitive, unconscionable and a clear example of questionable leadership.

It said while the president’s aspiration for re-election is legitimate, his priority should be addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigerians.

The opposition lawmakers were reacting to a viral video of branded Sports Utility Vehicles and buses which are allegedly meant to be deployed for Tinubu’s 2027 campaign use.

But the special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a response to LEADERSHIP’s inquiry last week explained that the vehicles were given to the ambassadors of the Renewed Hope Agenda in all the zones.

“President Tinubu wants Nigerians to understand his reform agenda, and he has picked credible Nigerians, led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, to disseminate the message to all nooks and crannies of Nigeria,” he said.

But the opposition party’s caucus, in a statement by its leader, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, reiterated that the primary duty of a government is to ensure the welfare and security of its citizens.

However, the opposition lawmakers criticised the APC and President Bola Tinubu for prioritising their 2027 reelection bid over these fundamental responsibilities.

The statement expressed concern and bewilderment that while the nation grapples with insecurity, the ruling party is either ignoring the issue or offering superficial solutions rather than addressing the problem effectively.

“These concerns were raised amid escalating insecurity nationwide and the administration’s struggles to fund budgets and demonstrate accountability.

“The situation has led to prolonged protests by local contractors who remain unpaid for completed projects, sparking economic hardship, stalled development, and a dearth of new projects.”

The caucus further said the aggrieved contractors have been holding vigils outside the Ministry of Finance, highlighting the government’s shortcomings.

The Labour Party representatives highlighted that the “Appropriation Act, a law governing budget allocation, has been consistently disregarded by the current administration.”

They pointed out the irony of the government pursuing costly projects like the controversial multi-trillion naira coastal road without proper appropriation or procurement processes, while essential federal road infrastructure lies in disrepair.

“This has raised concerns among citizens, particularly those planning to travel during the festive season, who face not only difficult road conditions but also heightened insecurity.

“Also of grave concern is the opaque expenditure of N17.5 trillion, in 2024 alone, on a pipeline-security contract, as revealed in the recently audited accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC.

“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.”

This statement further highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of its government branches.

“The executive is seen as underwhelming, the judiciary’s decisions are questioned, and the legislature is criticised for not having the moral fiber to hold the executive accountable,” it said.

The Labour Party caucus lamented that Nigeria has become a special economic zone where everyone and everything now has a price.

“Kidnappers and bandits now have prices on the heads of the citizenry; elected officials now have a price to look the other way; and opposition figures have prices to enthrone chaos in their own platforms. Even the clergy and ulamas are not spared the chicanery of the divisive effects of a gravely monetised polity.

“Pray, Nigerians, we’re in the 12th month of the year, 2025. In fact, across government owned enterprises, ministries, departments, and agencies of government, none can boast of 10 percent of execution of the capital component of the budget. In most cases, the scorecard reads nil.

“Yet everyone carries on, as though this has become the new normal. Worse is the glaring impunity of relevant officials not bothering to explain to anyone where revenues meant for the implementation of the budget have ‘disappeared’ to,” it stated.

Noting that Nigeria is on a negative cruise with local contractors occupying the offices of the Federal Ministry of Finance, retired police officers taking over the gates of the National Assembly, while kidnappers “choose where to strike every single day”, the caucus said the only response by government is to launch and distribute vehicles for a purported Renewed Hope Agenda.

“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.

“Besides the parlous state of Nigerian roads – which now ensures that a hitherto six hours journey, from either Lagos or Abuja to the South South or South East, now takes an entire day to traverse – is the grim reality of possible kidnap which stares every road user in the face.

“Some lawmakers are reflecting on their roles and acknowledging that many are complicit, silenced by potential pecuniary gains. Many have described the 10th Assembly as the worst in Nigeria’s democratic history, reduced to puppetry and rubber-stamping, with no tangible benefits for citizens. They criticise the government for prioritizing economic interests over citizens’ welfare, labeling it “economic banditry.”

“We must not continue on this sorry path. Both the ruling party and opposition must put aside politics and prioritize the people’s welfare. Citizens are the backbone of democracy, and their interests should come above all else,” the caucus added.