Official economic metrics are failing to reflect the reality of everyday hardship, African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore warned on Monday, calling for a fundamental overhaul of the Federal Government’s reform strategy.
Speaking during an Arise Television interview, Sowore argued that policy success must be judged by tangible outcomes, such as job creation, infrastructure, security, educational access, and living wages, rather than revenue figures or tax-to-GDP ratios.
He noted that despite record state receipts, collapsing industries and eroded purchasing power have left millions facing extreme, multidimensional poverty. “They are bringing out numbers as if we are foolish people,” he stated, adding: “We are talking about GDP to tax, but what about GDP to standard of living? Nobody is talking about that.”
The activist singled out the removal of the petrol subsidy for sharp criticism, contending that governments worldwide use subsidies to protect vulnerable citizens. He argued that while ordinary Nigerians suffered the immediate fallout of the policy, elite figures continued to benefit from custom waivers and tax incentives.
“There is no country in the world that doesn’t subsidise their poor,” he remarked, linking the subsidy withdrawal directly to broader financial instability: “The moment you remove the subsidy, look at where your economy tanked. Your naira also went down the toilet.”
Sowore insisted that the administration show how increased revenues are funding essential infrastructure, including new schools and roads. Dismissing official economic claims, he stressed that “optics don’t feed people” and “propaganda can’t feed people” while citizens struggle to afford basic necessities.
Calling for new leadership and fresh economic approaches, the AAC candidate urged the government to end misleading narrative strategies and focus on delivering a meaningful minimum wage, supporting businesses, and restoring public welfare.