President Bola Tinubu’s message to leaders of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, urging them to wait untill 2027 if they want to participate in the electoral process has triggered mixed interpretations from Nigerians.
While many believe the president has begun preparation for the forthcoming presidential elections in 2027, Deji Adeyanju, a human rights’ activist, described Tinubu’s statement as strange considering the hardship in the country.
In context, Tinubu made the remarks while slamming labour unions for calling for a strike within the first nine months of his administration.
The President said: “If you want to participate in the electoral process, wait until 2027. If not, maintain peace, you are not the only voice of Nigerians.”
Reacting, Deji Adeyanju wrote on his X page saying: “What if Tinubu already know the INEC 2027 results because the confidence with which he was talking today is very strange considering the situation of the country. The man was even mocking NLC.”
Another wrote: “Let no one deceive you, Tinubu is prepared to govern for 8 years. 2027 is in the bag already.”
The NLC had declared a two-day nationwide mass protest for February 27 and 28, over the economic hardship being faced by Nigerians.
On Tuesday, the protest took place in many parts of the country, including Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).
However, the leadership of NLC on Tuesday evening announced the suspension of the second day of the protest, noting that the objectives were achieved on the first day of the rally.
Joe Ajaero, NLC president, also alleged that the congress was intimidated and harassed in a bid to prevent the street marches.
President Tinubu’s statement about the development reads: “The Labour union should understand that no matter how much we cling to our freedom and rights… to call for strike within nine months of an administration is unacceptable.
“If you want to participate in the electoral process, wait until 2027. If not, maintain peace, you are not the only voice of Nigerians.
“I asked for this job, I cannot complain. These reforms that are ongoing, we are not looking back because it is all about the people,” he said.
“One thing I know is that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.
“I agree smugglers will fight back, corruption will fight back… we will fight them to ruin.
“Corruption will go away. We will save the money for you; to educate our children; to pay for the healthcare system of our people; to pay for modern transportation system.
“The fight is on, we are not looking back. This economy, we will grow it; we will feed ourselves out of the penury and we will be happy that we did it.
“If it is corruption, we must exterminate it no matter how hard it is fighting back… no to corruption. We must adhere to our pledge. Nigeria will be out of economic problems.”
