The Nigeria Labour Congress has warned that governors perceived as hostile to workers’ welfare could face defeat in the 2027 general elections, declaring that organised labour is prepared to mobilise politically against administrations accused of neglecting workers’ interests.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, said Nigerian workers were becoming increasingly aware of their electoral strength and would no longer support leaders who fail to prioritise their welfare.
According to him, governors accused of implementing anti-worker policies such as delayed salary payments, unpaid pensions, mass retrenchment, refusal to honour labour agreements, and poor welfare conditions would face political 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,” Upah said.
He added that governors who maintain positive relationships with workers and implement labour-friendly policies have nothing to fear regardless of political affiliation.
“Worker-friendly governors, on the other hand, have nothing to fear, irrespective of party affiliation,” he stated.
The warning signals a potentially tougher political stance by organised labour ahead of the 2027 elections, especially amid worsening economic hardship, inflation, rising living costs, and ongoing disputes over wages and workers’ welfare across several states.
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In recent months, labour unions have repeatedly accused some state governments of failing to cushion the effects of economic reforms on workers despite increased federal allocations to states.
Several states have also witnessed industrial actions triggered by unpaid salaries, withheld allowances, and unresolved disputes involving teachers, healthcare workers, and local government employees.
Labour leaders maintain that while some governors have commenced implementation of improved wage structures and sustained dialogue with unions, others have allegedly adopted policies viewed as unfriendly to workers.
Political analysts say the NLC’s latest comments suggest an attempt by organised labour to convert its numerical strength into electoral influence ahead of 2027, particularly among public sector employees and unionised workers nationwide.
The labour movement has historically played a significant role in political mobilisations and nationwide protests, including campaigns against fuel subsidy removal, rising fuel prices, and economic reforms.
However, worsening economic realities have intensified calls within labour circles for workers to become more politically active in determining leadership at both state and federal levels.
Although the NLC did not mention any governor by name, the warning is expected to increase political pressure in states where unresolved labour disputes continue to generate tension ahead of the next election cycle.