BREAKING: Tinubu, Governors hold crucial talks with NLC ahead of 2027

Political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections gathers momentum as President Bola Tinubu and governors under the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) meet with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in what observers describe as a critical strategic engagement at the Presidential Villa.

The high-level meeting, according to sources, is being hosted by the Progressive Governors and is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at the State House Banquet Hall, with President Tinubu attending as Special Guest of Honour.

The invitation to the NLC leadership is widely seen as a move to strengthen dialogue between the Federal Government, state governors and organised labour amid mounting economic challenges and shifting political calculations ahead of 2027.

Top labour leaders’ presence at the State House is viewed as a significant development in efforts to align governance priorities with workers’ concerns during a period marked by inflationary pressures and policy reforms.

It was gathered that the summit is designed to promote governance dialogue, enhance stakeholder collaboration and encourage inclusive participation in national development initiatives across the country.

Sources indicated that the NLC leadership plans to personally present its charter of demands to President Tinubu during the engagement.

Key elements of the charter include wage increases, protection of jobs and livelihoods in the face of economic and climate transitions, as well as the establishment of a dedicated Just Transition Fund.

The document also seeks large-scale green job creation, comprehensive reskilling programmes, strengthened social protection mechanisms and the institutionalisation of tripartite dialogue among government, employers and labour.

Labour sources describe the meeting as potentially pivotal, coming against the backdrop of recent tensions over wages, inflation and economic reforms. One labour leader said, “Wage debates, fuel subsidy removals, and inflation have tested labour-government relations. Direct engagement at Aso Rock signals an attempt to reset the narrative or prevent escalation. Labour is a decisive political force heading into 2027 elections. The summit could reset labour-government relations amid economic pressures.” He added that “governors’ involvement signals coordinated political alignment, and its outcome may determine if negotiation replaces street protests as the main channel of labour influence.”