2027: STOP EXPLOITING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES FOR ELECTORAL GAINS; ADEWOLE ADVOCATES DIGNITY, INCLUSION AND SOCIAL WELFARE – SWAG

The South West Action Group (SWAG – Adewole for President) has strongly condemned reports of the alleged exploitation, intimidation and electoral manipulation of persons with disabilities by agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

The group described the alleged practice as reprehensible, noting that citizens who deserve greater protection, social support and inclusion from government should not be reduced to instruments of electoral manipulation through money, foodstuffs and other material inducements.

Reports from Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Mushin and other parts of the state indicate that some persons with disabilities are allegedly being offered money and foodstuffs in exchange for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), alongside promises of their return upon assurances of electoral support for the ruling party. More disturbing are allegations that some individuals are being denied these benefits because they have refused to surrender their voter cards or pledge their votes to the APC.

SWAG considers these practices a gross assault on human dignity, democratic freedom and the rights of vulnerable citizens. Persons with disabilities are not electoral pawns whose economic difficulties should be exploited for political advantage. They are citizens entitled to equal rights, protection, opportunities and the full dividends of democracy, irrespective of their physical conditions or political preferences.

The group emphasised that government has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to protect the welfare of persons with disabilities rather than subject them to political manipulation. Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, establishes the welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government, while Section 16(2)(d) recognises the provision of welfare for persons with disabilities as part of the State's social and economic obligations. Sections 17 and 18 further establish principles of human dignity, equality, social justice and educational opportunities.

These constitutional obligations are reinforced by the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which provides protection against discrimination and promotes accessibility, inclusion and equal participation in education, employment, healthcare, transportation and public life.

SWAG maintained that government must move beyond occasional handouts and election-season charity to provide sustainable social protection, accessible healthcare, rehabilitation, assistive devices, inclusive education, skills development, employment opportunities and accessible public infrastructure for persons with disabilities.

The group argued that this is precisely where the social democratic philosophy advocated by Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, offers a fundamentally different approach to governance.

According to SWAG, Adewole's presidential advocacy, anchored on Chapter II of the Constitution, the Basic Needs Approach and social democracy, places human welfare, economic inclusion and social justice at the centre of governance. His 2027–2031 governance and accelerated development blueprint, Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity, alongside its twelve presidential missions, provides a framework for addressing the structural conditions that perpetuate poverty, exclusion and inequality.

Adewole's vision recognises that persons with disabilities must not be left behind in national development. They deserve a government that guarantees access to basic necessities, healthcare, education, productive employment and economic opportunities, while ensuring that public infrastructure and institutions accommodate their needs.

Their empowerment must be rooted in rights, equal opportunities and sustainable welfare programmes, rather than political patronage or conditional palliatives. Equally important is ensuring their meaningful representation and participation in democratic decision-making.

SWAG therefore called on the Lagos State Government, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate the allegations, protect affected persons and ensure that nobody is denied legitimate welfare assistance for refusing to support a political party.

The group insisted that the intimidation of vulnerable citizens and the exploitation of their economic circumstances to compromise their electoral choices must stop.

It further warned that the reported incidents raise serious concerns about the credibility of the 2027 general elections. According to SWAG, the ruling APC, at both federal and state levels, cannot substitute political inducement for good governance or expect impoverished Nigerians to exchange their democratic choices for temporary material benefits.

The growing hardship, hunger, poverty and inequality confronting Nigerians demand a fundamental change in the country's prevailing economic and political direction.

SWAG stated that the 2027 elections present an opportunity to mobilise, educate, sensitise and organise Nigerians behind a genuine social democratic alternative. Its objective, the group stressed, is not merely to replace one political establishment with another that subscribes to the same neoliberal and anti-poor policies, but to support a government that regards the welfare of citizens as its primary responsibility.

Persons with disabilities are not electoral commodities. They are citizens with rights, dignity, aspirations and valuable contributions to make to national development. They deserve inclusion, protection, opportunities and the full dividends of democracy, not intimidation, discrimination and politically motivated handouts.

A Nigeria that works for everyone, including persons with disabilities, is possible. This is the social democratic Nigeria that Prince Adewole Adebayo, the SDP presidential candidate, advocates and that SWAG is committed to building.

VOTE FOR ADEWOLE! VOTE FOR SDP! VOTE FOR A LIFE OF ABUNDANCE AND SECURITY!

Signed:

Comrade Wale Balogun
Coordinator,
South West Action Group (SWAG – Adewole for President)

Otunba Sanni
Publicity Secretary,
South West Action Group (SWAG – Adewole for President)

TANKO'S EMERGENCE AS CAMPAIGN DG: A NEW AWAKENING OF PROGRESSIVE FORCES AND THE RETURN TO AWOLOWO'S SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC IDEALS

The South West Action Group (SWAG) – Adewole for President, welcomes the emergence of Dr. Yunusa Tanko as Director-General of Prince Adewole Adebayo's Presidential Campaign Council. We consider this a significant development in the ongoing realignment of progressive forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Tanko's emergence, particularly against the background of his prominent role in the 2023 Peter Obi presidential campaign, represents an encouraging opportunity for progressive convergence. We believe that many left cadres and activists who supported Obi in 2023 are increasingly recognising the limitations of the neoliberal economic philosophy underpinning his political proposition.

We acknowledge that support for Obi in 2023 was not entirely about his economic policies. For many Nigerians, including sections of the progressive movement and the custodians of Chief Obafemi Awolowo's political legacy, Afenifere, it was also about equity, fairness, justice and the legitimate argument that it was Ndigbo's turn to produce the President after eight years of northern presidency.

However, political equity must go beyond the ethnic or regional identity of whoever occupies the presidency. It must translate into economic justice, social welfare and a government committed to improving the material conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

A RETURN TO THE POLITICS OF THE TALAKAWAS AND MẸKUNNU

We see this emerging political realignment as an opportunity to revive the politics of the Talakawas and Mẹkunnu, historically associated with the progressive traditions of Mallam Aminu Kano and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Their politics was rooted in social justice, mass education, accessible healthcare, workers' welfare, economic empowerment and the deployment of public resources for the benefit of the majority.

This is the ideological foundation of Afenifere's progressive tradition and the essence of social democracy.

Nigeria cannot overcome poverty and inequality through the neoliberal economic prescriptions associated with the political alternatives represented by Tinubu, Atiku and Obi. An economy cannot be considered successful when the majority of its citizens are impoverished while public services deteriorate and economic opportunities become increasingly inaccessible.

Social democracy recognises the importance of private enterprise and productivity but insists that economic growth must serve the people. It demands a developmental state that guarantees social protection, equitable opportunities, decent employment, quality education and affordable healthcare.

We believe Prince Adewole Adebayo offers a credible opportunity to reclaim this tradition and translate it into a contemporary national development programme.

THE DANGEROUS SHRINKING OF NIGERIA'S DEMOCRATIC SPACE

SWAG is deeply concerned about the growing attacks on opposition parties, activists, critical voices and independent media under the Tinubu-led APC administration.

Threats against media organisations, including suggestions that they could face closure or sanctions for publishing or broadcasting opinions critical of the APC presidency, constitute a dangerous assault on press freedom.

The media is not an extension of government publicity machinery. Its constitutional responsibility includes scrutinising those in power, exposing wrongdoing and providing platforms for dissenting opinions. No government has the right to demand political conformity as a condition for the operation of independent media organisations.

The intimidation of opposition figures, harassment of activists, obstruction of political engagements and attempts to delegitimise dissent are equally unacceptable.

Unfortunately, what many Nigerians previously regarded as a hypothesis, that President Tinubu intends to weaken opposition politics, constrict the democratic space and ultimately turn Nigeria into a de facto one party state, where he could be coronated rather than democratically elected, is increasingly becoming a disturbing reality.

Nigeria must not be reduced to a political arrangement in which the ruling party determines who can speak, organise, campaign or contest elections. The democratic space belongs to Nigerians, not the APC or the President.

THE SOWORE CASE: INEC AND IGBOKWE MUST NOT EVADE ACCOUNTABILITY

The ongoing criminal prosecution of Comrade Omoyele Sowore over his description of President Tinubu as a criminal raises serious questions about freedom of expression, political accountability and the use of state institutions.

Of particular concern are the recent developments surrounding the subpoenas issued to the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, and APC chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, as defence witnesses in the proceedings before the Federal High Court.

The defence seeks relevant electoral records relating to President Tinubu's 1999 Lagos governorship candidacy and his 2023 presidential nomination, including the relevant INEC Form CF001 documents.

INEC's attempt to have the subpoena set aside, alongside the anticipated appearance of Joe Igbokwe, raises legitimate questions about the willingness of individuals and institutions to submit relevant information to judicial scrutiny.

We insist that INEC must not be seen to be shielding any political officeholder from legitimate scrutiny. The Commission is an independent constitutional institution and should demonstrate transparency, neutrality and respect for judicial processes.

Joe Igbokwe should equally honour the court's process and make himself available to provide relevant evidence. Any objections to the subpoena should be determined by the court in accordance with the law.

The Sowore case must not become an instrument for intimidating dissent or insulating public officeholders from legitimate questions. Freedom of expression and the right to challenge those in power are indispensable elements of democracy.

A MESSAGE TO THE YORUBA: AWOLOWO'S LEGACY IS ABOUT IDEOLOGY, NOT ETHNIC SENTIMENT

We appeal to Yoruba compatriots who believe that supporting a Yoruba presidential candidate in 2027 is necessary to complete the South's turn in the presidency to reconsider the larger implications of that position.

We understand the argument for regional equity. However, the Yoruba progressive political tradition, particularly that represented by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Afenifere, was never fundamentally about the ethnic identity of political officeholders. It was about ideas, social justice, education, economic development and the welfare of the people.

Awo's legacy cannot be reduced to the proposition that a Yoruba person must occupy Aso Rock, irrespective of the political and economic philosophy such a person represents.

Prince Adewole Adebayo is a credible alternative for those who genuinely wish to preserve and advance this progressive heritage. His commitment to the actualisation of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution, particularly its provisions on social welfare, education, healthcare, employment, equality of opportunity and economic justice, reflects the fundamental aspirations of Awo's social democratic philosophy.

The question before Yoruba people and Nigerians generally should therefore be: what kind of government will serve the people, rather than whose ethnic group occupies the presidency?

BUILDING A BROADER PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT

SWAG warmly welcomes Comrades Toyin Raheem, Wale Okunniyi, Mark Adebayo and other progressive-minded individuals into the growing movement around Prince Adewole Adebayo.

We particularly appeal to Comrade Debo Adeniran to translate his evident sympathy for this progressive alternative into active participation, practical support and sustained commitment, just as Comrade Shina Loremikan, the SDP South West Zonal Publicity Secretary, has demonstrated through his active engagement.

The task before us is bigger than supporting an individual presidential candidate. It is to rebuild a formidable progressive movement capable of challenging neoliberal economic policies, defending democratic freedoms and restoring government to its fundamental responsibility to the people.

SWAG calls on progressive Yoruba people, social democrats, labour activists, pro-democracy campaigners, intellectuals and all Nigerians committed to social justice to unite behind this alternative.

The 2027 elections must be about ideology, economic justice, democratic accountability and the future of our country, not merely ethnic calculations and the competition among privileged political elites.

Social democracy is the way forward. Prince Adewole Adebayo represents a credible opportunity to reclaim the progressive ideals of Awolowo and Aminu Kano.

Signed:

Comrade Wale Balogun

Coordinator

South West Action Group (SWAG)

Independent Campaign Group – Adewole for President

WHERE IS OUR MONEY? SDP DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY OVER ALLEGED ₦180 BILLION CAMPAIGN SPENDING IN OSUN

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), Osun State Chapter, has demanded explanations from the Osun State Government, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party over allegations of ₦180 billion in campaign expenditure during the 2026 governorship election, raising concerns about political spending, local government administration and the state's financial performance.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its State Secretary, Bolanle Abraham Abayomi, the party questioned reports that the Accord Party had accused the APC of spending ₦110 billion on the election, while the APC reportedly alleged that Accord spent ₦70 billion.

The SDP said the combined allegations, amounting to ₦180 billion, raised serious questions about the sources and purposes of such enormous campaign funds, particularly against the backdrop of concerns about vote-buying and the monetisation of Nigeria's electoral process.

The party challenged both political parties to explain how the alleged sums were raised and what they were spent on, questioning whether the expenditure could reasonably be attributed to campaign materials, publicity, jingles, social media advertisements and other legitimate electioneering activities.

It also expressed concern over the controversy surrounding local government administration in the state, particularly the existence of competing sets of local government chairmen and councillors.

Osun State has 30 constitutionally recognised Local Government Areas and 332 electoral wards. Using assumed monthly earnings of ₦1 million for each chairman and ₦600,000 for each councillor, the SDP estimated that maintaining two sets of chairmen and councillors would amount to approximately ₦458.4 million monthly, or about ₦5.5 billion annually.

The party, however, clarified that the calculation was illustrative and did not represent verified figures of actual salaries or payments made by the state government.

According to the SDP, the financial implications of the disputed local government structures require urgent public scrutiny, especially as the state grapples with other outstanding financial obligations.

The party further expressed concern over reports that traditional rulers in Osun State were owed seven months of salaries, questioning why public officials and traditional institutions should remain unpaid while allegations of enormous financial resources being deployed for political contests continue to dominate public discourse.

Adding to its concerns, the SDP cited a recent fiscal performance assessment by BudgIT, which reportedly ranked Osun State 32nd among 35 states assessed. It described the ranking as a troubling indication of the need for improved fiscal management, transparency and responsible utilisation of public resources.

The party consequently called on the Osun State Government, the APC and the Accord Party to provide explanations on the alleged ₦110 billion and ₦70 billion campaign expenditures, including the sources and application of the funds.

It also demanded transparency regarding the financial implications of maintaining competing local government structures, the actual obligations incurred by the state in local government administration, outstanding salaries owed to traditional rulers and other public servants, and measures being taken to improve the state's fiscal performance.

The SDP maintained that the controversy should not be dismissed as ordinary political disagreement, insisting that public resources and political financing are matters of legitimate public interest.

"Public money is not the personal property of politicians, political parties or government officials. It belongs to the people," the party declared.

It added that the conclusion of the governorship election should not mark the end of public scrutiny, stressing that elected officials, political parties and government institutions must remain accountable to the people.

"Elections have ended, but accountability must not end with elections. The people of Osun deserve answers. Where is our money?" the statement asked.

The party's demands have brought renewed attention to questions surrounding campaign financing, the cost of governance and the management of public resources in Osun State.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the APC, the Accord Party nor the Osun State Government had issued an official response to the allegations and questions raised by the SDP.

The Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance (CACOBAG) has thrown its weight behind the African Action Congress (AAC) and its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in their request to use the Presidential Villa

The Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance (CACOBAG) has thrown its weight behind the African Action Congress (AAC) and its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in their request to use the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, for the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council scheduled for November 11, 2026.

The coalition also condemned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, for describing Sowore as a “skit maker” and a “political comedian,” describing the remarks as derogatory and undemocratic.

In a press release dated October 22, 2026, and jointly signed by its Chairman, Toyin Raheem, and Secretary, Comrade Idowu Taiwo, CACOBAG said the AAC’s request was legitimate and should be granted without discrimination.

The organisation noted that the request followed the reported use of the State House Conference Centre within the Presidential Villa for the inauguration of the APC Campaign Council on October 14, 2026.

CACOBAG questioned why the ruling party should be allowed to use a facility within the Presidential Villa for its political activities while opposition parties could potentially be denied similar access.

“Does Aso Villa belong to APC? Does it belong to Tinubu personally? No. It belongs to all Nigerians,” the coalition stated, arguing that the facility was built, furnished and maintained with public funds.

According to the group, allowing the ruling party exclusive access to a public facility for political activities could amount to preferential treatment, political discrimination and what it described as attitudinal corruption.

It maintained that the principle of equal treatment should apply to all registered political parties seeking to use public facilities under comparable conditions.

Reacting to Basiru’s description of Sowore as a “skit maker” and “political comedian,” CACOBAG defended the AAC leader’s political activism and criticism of the government.

The coalition argued that speaking truth to power, defending the oppressed, exposing corruption and raising concerns about Nigeria’s development should not be grounds for ridicule.

“If to consistently speak truth to power, to defend the oppressed, to expose corruption and to make valid, patriotic points on the development of Nigeria is to be a political comedian, then yes, Sowore is a political comedian whom Nigerians love and respect,” the statement read.

CACOBAG further claimed that Sowore enjoyed considerable public support because he articulated concerns that many Nigerians were unable to express openly.

The coalition cited Sections 40 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, in support of its arguments concerning freedom of association and protection against discrimination.

It also referenced Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, arguing that state apparatus and public facilities should not be used to favour or disadvantage any political party or candidate.

CACOBAG further invoked the constitutional principles that sovereignty belongs to the people and that the security and welfare of citizens should be the primary purpose of government.

The organisation compared Nigeria’s situation with political practices in the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Ghana, arguing that public institutions should not be treated as the private property of ruling parties.

It called on the Nigerian government to uphold fairness and prevent the country from sliding towards a one-party state

CACOBAG also challenged Basiru to advise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to walk through the streets of Lagos, Iragbiji or Abuja alongside Sowore without security personnel, arguing that such an encounter would reveal their respective levels of public acceptance.

The coalition further alleged that Tinubu would struggle to mobilise genuine public support without monetary inducements, insisting that Nigerians were increasingly demanding systemic change.

It also criticised the administration’s policies, describing them as harsh and anti-people, and recalled warnings attributed to the late elder statesman Pa Ayo Adebanjo ahead of the 2023 general elections.

CACOBAG maintained that extending Tinubu’s tenure for another 20 years would not produce positive outcomes for Nigeria, a position it expressed as part of its broader criticism of the administration.

The coalition outlined three major demands in its statement.

First, it called on the Presidency to grant Sowore and the AAC access to the Presidential Villa for the inauguration of their campaign council without imposing additional conditions.

Second, it demanded that other registered political parties seeking to use the same facility be given equal access under comparable conditions.

Third, it urged Basiru to withdraw his remarks against Sowore and apologise to Nigerian youths and democrats.

Reaffirming its position, CACOBAG declared that the Presidential Villa belongs to all Nigerians and should be administered in a manner that reflects fairness, democratic principles and equal treatment.

ADC Alimosho Raises Alarm Over Attack on Ward M1, Names Orelope, Ejibadero and De Royal as Alleged Masterminds

Chief Adeyinka Odukoya condemns attack on party members as ADC leadership promises investigation, support for victims and stronger security measures.

Tension has reportedly gripped the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State following an attack on members of Ward M1 on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

The attack reportedly left several members injured, while personal belongings were allegedly stolen and chairs and other sitting materials destroyed.

In a press statement issued on Friday, October 23, the Chairman of the ADC Alimosho Local Government Management Team, Chief Adeyinka Odukoya, condemned the incident and identified Joke Orelope, Ejibadero and De Royal as alleged masterminds of the attack.

The allegations, as contained in the party chairman's statement, have not been independently verified. The statement provided to this publication did not include responses from the individuals named.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to Odukoya, he was accompanying the ADC Alimosho executives and party candidates on a tour of Ward D and Ward M2 when he received the report of the attack.

He said he immediately contacted the state chairman and relevant security agencies to ensure a prompt response and prevent further incidents.

Odukoya later led members of his entourage, alongside House of Assembly Constituency I candidate Ojogbon Gideon Adeniran and House of Representatives candidate Hon. Ola Olusola Motunrayo, to the affected ward and the police station.

They met with the Ward M1 chairman and some members, including women. Members who had sustained injuries and were still present received attention.

The party leadership said it had initiated further security measures to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and determine those responsible.

Orelope, Ejibadero and De Royal Named in Party Chairman's Statement

A major development in the incident is the allegation contained in Odukoya's press statement naming Joke Orelope, Ejibadero and De Royal as the alleged masterminds.

The allegation raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the attack and the security of party members in Alimosho.

However, the allegation remains an allegation and should not be treated as proof of responsibility. An impartial investigation is necessary to establish what happened, identify any individuals involved and determine whether any offence was committed.

The responses of the individuals named were not included in the statement available to this publication.

ADC Plans Support for Affected Members

Beyond condemning the incident, the ADC Alimosho leadership has outlined measures intended to address the losses suffered by affected members.

Odukoya directed the Ward M1 executives to prepare a comprehensive inventory of missing personal belongings and damaged property. The report will be submitted to the state chairman to facilitate appropriate intervention and support.

An emergency meeting involving party elders, leaders, local government executives and ward chairmen was scheduled for Friday, October 23.

The meeting is expected to discuss the welfare of injured members, possible assistance for those who suffered losses, and measures to prevent a recurrence.

The party also plans to examine ways to improve security across its 11 wards and 36 LASIEC wards, including appropriate engagement with conventional and non-conventional security outfits.

Odukoya Reaffirms Commitment to Members' Safety

The ADC Alimosho chairman assured party members that their safety and welfare remained a priority.

He pledged that the leadership would take reasonable steps to protect members, cooperate with relevant security agencies and pursue appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.

The party also called on members to remain calm, vigilant and united as efforts continue to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The Need for a Credible Investigation

The reported attack underscores the importance of protecting political party members from violence, intimidation and the destruction of property.

Regardless of internal disagreements or political differences, party members must be able to assemble and participate in lawful political activities without fear for their safety.

The immediate priorities are to ensure that injured members receive appropriate care, document losses, investigate the attack and establish responsibility through credible evidence.

With the party chairman's statement naming three individuals as alleged masterminds, the attention now turns to the relevant security agencies and any further evidence that may clarify the allegations.

The outcome of a fair and impartial investigation will be essential to establishing the facts and ensuring that any person found responsible is held accountable in accordance with the law.

AYEGBAJU INTERNATIONAL MARKET MUST SERVE THE PEOPLE, NOT PRIVILEGED INTERESTS

The recent visit of the Osun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Dr. Bunmi Jenyo, to Ayegbaju International Market raises serious concerns about the direction of market administration and the welfare of ordinary traders.

Ayegbaju Market was established to promote commerce, expand trading opportunities and improve the livelihoods of market men and women, particularly ordinary traders whose economic survival depends on affordable access to stalls and shops. It must not become an avenue for displacing the poor while politically connected individuals benefit from the conversion and reallocation of public commercial facilities.

The market was developed under the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and commissioned in July 2014 as part of a wider effort to restore Osogbo's commercial importance. Its facilities included open stalls, mini-stalls, meat and fish sections, warehouses and cold rooms. These provisions reflected the market's intended commercial purpose and the need to accommodate different categories of traders.

Against this background, the reported demolition of kiosks without transparent guarantees of alternative trading spaces is deeply troubling. Removing traders' means of livelihood while allegedly reallocating spaces and stalls to favoured individuals is not market reform; it is a potential transfer of economic opportunity from the vulnerable to the privileged. Government must publish the criteria governing allocation, reallocation and any proposed demolition.

Even more disturbing are concerns that structures originally intended for trading are being altered or converted into factories for salt production and sales, reportedly benefiting interests connected to those exercising authority over the market. These allegations require an independent investigation, full disclosure of approvals and contracts, and clarification of who owns or controls the facilities concerned. Public commercial infrastructure must not be appropriated for private advantage.

The displacement of traders in the fish and meat sections would compound the hardship already confronting small-scale traders and their families. These are livelihoods, not disposable structures. Any reorganisation must protect existing occupants, provide suitable alternative spaces before displacement, and ensure that affected traders are not priced out of the market.

The Commissioner's invocation of Governor Ademola Adeleke's name and the traders' electoral support for his administration cannot substitute for accountability. Government exists to protect citizens' interests, not to use political loyalty as justification for policies that may undermine their economic survival.

We therefore call on Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently:

1.  Suspend further demolitions and structural conversions pending an independent review.

2.  Publish the records of stall allocations and reassignments.

3.  Investigate allegations of preferential treatment and private appropriation of public assets.

4.  Ensure that displaced traders receive suitable alternative spaces before any further action.

Ayegbaju International Market is a public economic asset whose administration must be guided by transparency, fairness and social justice. The promise of government must be measured not by official visits or assurances, but by whether ordinary people can earn a living with dignity.

Governor Adeleke must ensure that Ayegbaju remains a market for the people, not a preserve for privileged interests.

Signed:

Comrade Wale Balogun

Convener, Mẹkunnu Kọya

16/10/2026

Fuel Relief Is Not Living Dignity: GAFAMORG Calls for Living Wage and Stronger Social Protection

The Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organization (GAFAMORG) has called on the Federal Government to move beyond temporary fuel-related relief measures and adopt a sustainable economic framework built around a Living Wage, accessible public services and comprehensive social protection.

In a statement addressing Nigeria’s escalating cost-of-living crisis, the organisation expressed support for the legitimate demands of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), urging the government to take urgent, concrete and transparent measures to protect workers, pensioners, informal-sector workers and struggling households.

GAFAMORG noted that rising fuel prices have consequences far beyond the cost of transportation, contributing to higher food prices and increasing the cost of housing, healthcare, education and other essential services.

According to the organisation, temporary palliatives may provide short-term relief but cannot resolve the structural problems undermining household incomes and living standards.

Minimum Wage Must Reflect the Cost of Living

GAFAMORG stressed the distinction between a National Minimum Wage, which establishes a legal wage floor, and a Living Wage, which should enable workers to afford decent food, secure housing, transportation, healthcare, education and other essential needs for themselves and their families.

The organisation maintained that wage negotiations should be informed by verified living costs and assessed according to the purchasing power of workers, rather than the nominal amount announced.

It called for evidence-based minimum-wage negotiations, regular and predictable wage reviews, stronger enforcement of wage laws and collective agreements, and a clear, time-bound pathway towards a Living Wage.

Six-Point Agenda for Economic Dignity

The organisation outlined six priority demands:

1. Immediate and transparent relief: Effective measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel and living costs.

2. Evidence-based wage negotiations: Wage reviews grounded in current and verifiable household expenditure.

3. A pathway to a Living Wage: Time-bound measures supported by collective bargaining and regular wage reviews.

4. Enforcement of labour rights: Stronger implementation of minimum-wage laws and collective agreements across public and private sectors.

5. A comprehensive Social Wage: Improved access to affordable healthcare, quality public education, transportation, housing support, adequate pensions and protection against unemployment, disability and workplace injuries.

6. Inclusive protection: Policies that recognise the needs of formal-sector workers, informal workers, self-employed Nigerians and pensioners.

GAFAMORG emphasised that a Living Wage and a Social Wage must advance together. While the former concerns the income workers earn, the latter encompasses essential public services and social protections that reduce the financial burden on households.

The organisation argued that the effectiveness of economic policy should ultimately be measured by whether ordinary Nigerians can afford basic necessities without being trapped in persistent anxiety and financial insecurity.

GAFAMORG Launches People's Living Dignity Test 2026

As part of its public advocacy, GAFAMORG announced the People's Living Dignity Test 2026, a voluntary questionnaire designed to gather citizens' experiences of wages, living costs, access to public services and social protection.

The organisation explained that the initiative is intended to amplify the voices of ordinary Nigerians and encourage wider public participation in discussions about workers' welfare and economic policy. It clarified that the questionnaire is not a substitute for official statistics or academic research.

GAFAMORG called on the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), other labour organisations, employers, professional associations, informal workers, pensioners, civil society organisations, community leaders, academics, journalists and members of the public to support and circulate the questionnaire.

Members of the public can participate through the official People's Living Dignity Test 2026 questionnaire: [Insert verified questionnaire link here].

The organisation encouraged Nigerians to complete the questionnaire, share it within their communities and workplaces, and mobilise their unions and associations to participate.

Beyond Temporary Concessions

GAFAMORG concluded that Nigeria needs a long-term economic framework that protects purchasing power, improves access to essential services and guarantees greater economic security for workers and their families.

It reiterated that lasting economic dignity requires more than temporary concessions, calling for coordinated action on wages, pensions, public services and social protection.

The statement ended with the organisation's commitment to its founding ideals:

“GAFAMORG — For the Voiceless and Defenceless! Remembering Gani by Continuing His Struggle.”