2027: Vote for candidate who’ll make your money buy more — Alaje advises Nigerians
Nigerians Urged to Evaluate Presidential Candidates on Economic Policies Ahead of 2027 Election
Paul Alaje, a senior economist at SPM Professionals, has called on Nigerians to critically assess presidential candidates for the 2027 general election based on their capability to enhance purchasing power, lower living costs, and improve the affordability of essential services.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Alaje emphasized that voters should focus on candidates whose economic proposals would enable them to stretch their earnings further. He cautioned against being misled by promises of increased wages that do not correspond with tangible improvements in real income.
“Any candidate who claims that your money will buy more, lead to better living conditions, and help you afford your rent—that is the candidate you should support,” Alaje said. He stressed that a rise in nominal earnings does not guarantee better living standards if inflation continues to outpace wage growth.
Alaje elaborated on the importance of purchasing power, urging voters to consider both the purchasing capabilities of their earnings and the potential impact of candidates’ economic policies on meeting household needs. “You can earn more in naira, but will it buy more in real terms?” he questioned.
He also advised voters to scrutinize candidates’ plans for making education and healthcare more accessible, as well as their strategies for alleviating the financial pressures faced by households. The overriding concern, he stated, should be which candidate can effectively enhance the real value of Nigerians’ earnings and expand access to essential services.
Furthermore, Alaje warned that economic strategies lacking a focus on productivity could hinder the country’s economic growth. “Anyone who is not prioritizing productivity will negatively impact the economy,” he cautioned, asserting that sustainable improvements in living standards depend on reforms rooted in productivity and sound economic fundamentals.
On another note, Alaje urged President Bola Tinubu to make addressing Nigeria’s electricity issues a priority, describing reliable power supply as vital for boosting economic performance. “You need to take urgent and critical action regarding electricity,” he told the President.
He acknowledged that nations that have successfully implemented economic reforms similar to those proposed in Nigeria have done so with strong underlying fundamentals. “Major economies that have adopted similar reforms have had the fundamentals working in their favor,” he said.
