As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum, the Nigerian Advocacy for Good Governance Alliance (NAGA-Diaspora) has called on Nigerians to look beyond campaign rhetoric and carefully examine the records, policy positions and consistency of those seeking the nation’s highest office.
The group said voters should pay close attention to where presidential candidates stand on major economic issues, particularly fuel subsidy reforms, foreign exchange policies and measures aimed at tackling the rising cost of living.
In a statement issued by its Global Coordinator, Tope Adesipo, and Secretary, Ajede Oluwaseun, NAGA-Diaspora argued that economic decisions taken in recent years have had far-reaching consequences for households and businesses across the country, making it essential for voters to interrogate candidates on their plans for the economy.
According to the organisation, the removal of petrol subsidy and the depreciation of the naira have contributed significantly to the economic challenges facing many Nigerians, including rising prices of goods and services, increased production costs and pressure on household incomes.
The group urged citizens to demand detailed explanations from presidential hopefuls on how they intend to address inflation, stabilise the economy, reduce living costs and improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians if elected.
NAGA-Diaspora noted that leading political figures have expressed different views on some of the economic reforms currently being debated in the country.
It observed that President Bola Tinubu and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, have both publicly supported the removal of fuel subsidy, although Obi has maintained that the policy should have been implemented in a more gradual and structured manner.
The group also pointed out that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has recently advocated the restoration of a targeted subsidy framework, presenting a different approach to the issue.
Against this backdrop, NAGA-Diaspora said Nigerians should not focus solely on campaign promises made during the election season but should also evaluate how candidates’ positions have changed over time and whether those changes reflect genuine policy alternatives.
“A change of language is not a change of record,” the organisation stated, urging voters to scrutinise whether revised policy positions are backed by substance or merely represent adjustments in political messaging.
The group further called on civil society organisations, youth associations, professional bodies and registered voters to engage candidates on their past policy positions, their proposed solutions to current economic challenges and the likely consequences of those proposals.
According to NAGA-Diaspora, voters should seek answers to key questions before casting their ballots, including which candidates supported policies linked to current economic difficulties, who presented documented alternatives, and whether those alternatives would remain in place after the election.
The organisation stressed that the 2027 presidential contest should be driven by issues, accountability and practical solutions rather than personalities, political sentiments or campaign slogans.
It maintained that informed voting requires a careful examination of candidates’ records, policy consistency and long-term vision, especially on economic matters that directly affect citizens’ daily lives.
NAGA-Diaspora reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, good governance and responsible leadership, while urging Nigerians to insist on issue-based campaigns as the country prepares for another crucial electoral cycle.
The group said the choices made by voters in 2027 could have significant implications for Nigeria’s economic direction, making it important for citizens to critically assess not only what candidates are promising today, but also what they have stood for in the past.
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