May Day: Obi, Atiku Knock Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Demand Better Deal for Workers

Opposition figures Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar on Friday used the 2026 Workers’ Day to spotlight the struggles of Nigerian workers, criticising economic policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In his message on X, Obi praised workers as “the backbone of every nation,” acknowledging their sacrifices across key sectors while lamenting the harsh economic realities they face.

He pointed out that inflation, rising food prices, and increased transport costs have eroded the value of the minimum wage, leaving many workers unable to maintain a decent standard of living.

“It is deeply painful that those who wake up every day to teach, heal, build, farm, produce, transport, protect, and serve our nation are still denied the dignity and fair reward their labour deserves,” Obi said.

He urged workers to harness their collective political power to push for accountable leadership, stressing that national development depends on a productive and well-supported workforce.

“By refusing to reward failure, corruption, ethnic division, and bad governance, they can help build a nation where hard work is respected and rewarded with dignity,” he said, adding that “a New Nigeria is POssible.”

Atiku, in his own statement, said he observed the occasion with “grief,” accusing the Tinubu government of deepening economic hardship despite its “Renewed Hope” promise.

“The Nigerian worker has been the primary victim of an administration that is more interested in increasing revenue than improving the lives of citizens,” he said.

He faulted the implementation of fuel subsidy removal, saying it was carried out without adequate planning or social protections, thereby worsening living conditions for workers.

Atiku also questioned the management of funds saved from the subsidy removal and raised concerns about transparency in large-scale infrastructure spending, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Despite their differing tones, both leaders agreed on the central role of workers in driving national growth, calling attention to the need for policies that improve their welfare and economic security.

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