Ex-Lawmaker Tells Nigerians to Choose Leaders Who Can Make Life Better in 2027

(Denge Josef Onoh. Photo by the Guardian Nigeria News)

Denge Josef Onoh, chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, has urged Nigerians to elect leaders who can tackle the economy in the 2027 general elections.

He spoke on Tuesday to traders, importers and business groups from the South East, South South and Middle Belt in Apapa, Lagos.

He cited figures from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index.

He said poverty rose from 56 percent to an estimated 63 percent since 2023, leaving over 140 million Nigerians below the poverty line.

He also said 17.9 million people fell into multidimensional poverty within three years.

Onoh said headline inflation peaked near 35 percent and food inflation reached 40.87 percent.

He said fuel prices have risen by over 400 percent, from N185 to over N1,000, and the naira has moved from N460 to over N1,500 against the dollar.

He also criticised the revised APC presidential campaign council.

He pointed to opposition figures in coordinating roles, including Nyesom Wike of the PDP, Chukwuma Soludo of APGA and Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party.

He said some APC members have objected to these appointments. He argued that the move shows the focus is on winning votes rather than fixing the economy.

He asked voters to judge candidates on economic competence, investment in human development, fiscal accountability and inclusive governance.

He said the 2027 election is a chance to demand structural change.

"We must use our constitutional power to vote for vision, competence, and character," he said.