2027: Ajaero Knocks Atiku, Obi, Tinubu, Backs Adebayo

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has said the economic positions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and President Bola Tinubu are broadly similar.

Ajaero made the remarks during an interview while discussing economic positions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He also identified the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, and the Accord Party presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, as politicians whose economic ideas he was willing to consider.

Asked about Atiku’s economic position, Ajaero said, “I have looked at Gbenga Hashim’s position and I think he’s an expert to an extent. I also looked at Adebayo. I may listen to them.”

Ajaero said Atiku, Obi and Tinubu belonged to a similar economic orientation, describing them as “market people from far right.”

“Peter Obi, Atiku and Asiwaju, they all have the same position and they have shown that they are market people from far right,” he said.

He, however, said the positions of Adebayo and Olawepo-Hashim contained ideas that warranted further engagement.

Adebayo, the SDP candidate, has campaigned on a social democratic platform, with emphasis on production, job creation, public services and reducing the cost of living.

His policy blueprint, titled Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity: Governance & Accelerated Development, Blueprint of a New Nigeria, 2027–2031, proposes mechanisms for monitoring government performance, including baseline assessments, quarterly milestones and corrective measures.

Adebayo has also advocated increased domestic production and reduced dependence on imports and foreign exchange pressures.

On energy, he has proposed increased domestic energy production, expanded refining capacity and greater electricity generation, with the stated aim of reducing energy costs for households and businesses.

His campaign has also focused on issues including fuel pricing, electricity, education, healthcare and unemployment.

Adebayo has not previously served as president, vice president, governor or minister.

The 2027 presidential election is expected to feature several political parties and candidates seeking to challenge the incumbent administration and offer alternative economic and governance policies.