Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, the Labour Party candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, has expressed concern over the rising cost of living in Nigeria, which he believes has deepened hardship across the country. Ezeh described the situation as a progression from "broken pockets" to "broken dreams" and ultimately "broken homes and a broken society". He attributed the widespread economic and social distress to policy failures and inadequate accountability under President Bola Tinubu.
Ezeh criticised the economic policies of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government, citing the removal of petrol subsidy and other economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration as major contributors to the current hardship. According to him, these reforms have imposed substantial short-term pressures on households and businesses, particularly on low-income households, small businesses, and young Nigerians struggling to secure employment.
The Labour Party candidate shared the experiences of a businessman, Felix Onyia, who was forced to consider relocating to his village due to economic pressures, and a tomato seller at Ketu Market, Lagos, who complained that rising wholesale prices were forcing traders to increase retail prices. Ezeh argued that the consequences of economic hardship are no longer confined to household finances but are increasingly affecting businesses, employment, family stability, and Nigerians' confidence in the future.
Ezeh expressed concern over the impact of the economic environment on businesses and employment, citing the closure or downsizing of some retail outlets and enterprises. He said the consequences were particularly troubling for young Nigerians whose aspirations are increasingly being undermined by limited employment opportunities and rising costs of living. Ezeh warned that the loss of jobs and declining business opportunities could ultimately translate into pressure on families.
The APC-led administration has maintained that its reforms were undertaken against the background of severe fiscal and structural challenges inherited in 2023. President Tinubu said the country had faced mounting fiscal pressures, unsustainable fuel subsidies, declining revenues, exchange-rate distortions, rising debt-servicing costs, and energy constraints when his administration assumed office. He acknowledged that the reforms had imposed significant sacrifices on families, workers, and businesses but argued that they were necessary to stabilise the economy.
Recent data published by the National Bureau of Statistics show that Nigeria's economy recorded real GDP growth of 3.89 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. However, Ezeh maintained that macroeconomic indicators must ultimately translate into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians. He challenged political leaders in the South-East to make the interests of citizens central to the political debate ahead of 2027.
Ezeh urged Nigerians to examine the records and policy proposals of political parties and candidates before making their electoral choices. He said the 2027 election should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess competing visions for the country's future and called for greater institutional accountability, economic policies that protect vulnerable citizens, and a political culture centred on service, inclusion, and measurable development.
Key points
- Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh criticises the economic policies of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
- The Labour Party candidate attributes the widespread economic and social distress to policy failures and inadequate accountability under President Bola Tinubu.
- Ezeh urges Nigerians to examine the records and policy proposals of political parties and candidates before making their electoral choices.
