The Nigeria Labour Congress has warned that governors perceived as hostile to workers’ welfare risk being voted out in the 2027 general elections.

The union declared that Nigerian workers are prepared to mobilise politically against administrations accused of neglecting labour interests.

The Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, said workers across the country were becoming increasingly conscious of their electoral strength and would no longer support leaders who failed to prioritise their welfare.

Speaking with our correspondent in Abuja on Thursday, Upah said governors who undermined workers through poor welfare policies, delayed salaries, unpaid pensions, mass retrenchment, or refusal to implement labour agreements would face consequences at the polls.

This matter speaks for itself. Non-worker-friendly governors will be voted out by workers if votes are allowed to count in the coming elections. We have the numbers and the will. It is a promise we intend to keep.

“Worker-friendly governors, on the other hand, have nothing to fear, irrespective of party affiliation,” he said.

The statement signals a potentially tougher political posture by organised labour ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as economic hardship, inflation and disputes over wages continue to fuel tensions between workers and state governments.

The NLC’s warning comes amid growing frustration among civil servants in several states over delays in the implementation of the new national minimum wage, outstanding wage awards, pension arrears and rising living costs following the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms introduced by the Federal Government.

In recent months, labour unions have repeatedly accused some state governments of failing to cushion the economic impact of reforms on workers, despite increased federal allocations to states.

Several states have also faced industrial actions over unpaid salaries, withheld allowances and disputes involving local government workers, teachers and health personnel.

Labour leaders argued that while some governors have commenced implementation of improved wage structures and negotiated with unions, others have allegedly adopted what they describe as anti-worker policies.

Political observers say the NLC’s latest position may signal an attempt by organised labour to translate its numerical strength into electoral influence, particularly among public sector workers and unionised employees nationwide.

The Congress has historically played a major role in national political mobilisations, including protests against fuel price hikes, economic reforms and governance issues.

However, recent economic pressures have intensified calls within labour circles for workers to become more active in determining political leadership at both state and federal levels.

Although the NLC did not mention any governor specifically, the warning is expected to heighten political tensions in states where labour disputes remain unresolved ahead of the election cycle. (The PUNCH)

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