Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, popularly known as Fadojoe and a former Labour Party presidential aspirant, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The announcement, made in a statement issued over the weekend by his Media Adviser, Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba, in Kaduna, comes amid his pledge to “rescue Nigeria” from economic hardship, insecurity and what he described as poor governance.
Fadojoe said he is entering the race as an ordinary Nigerian, not a member of the political elite, with a commitment to addressing the daily struggles faced by citizens across the country.
He strongly criticised key economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rate, arguing that they were implemented without adequate planning or safety nets. According to him, the policies have triggered soaring fuel and transportation costs, rising food prices, increased rents and higher electricity tariffs.
“Millions of Nigerians are now forced to choose between feeding their families and commuting to work,” he said.
On fiscal matters, Fadojoe accused the current administration of excessive borrowing, claiming it has taken on more debt than any previous government despite ending fuel subsidies.
He also raised concerns about worsening insecurity, describing a nation plagued by kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. He condemned the payment of ransoms to kidnappers, insisting that such actions only embolden criminals.
Fadojoe further criticised the state of education and healthcare in the country, noting that youth unemployment remains alarmingly high and that poorly funded hospitals and underpaid health workers often lead to avoidable deaths.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, he disclosed that he stepped aside to support Peter Obi but expressed disappointment over Obi’s subsequent political alliances, which he believes have contributed to Nigeria’s current challenges.
The former Labour Party aspirant also unveiled plans to launch a people-driven “Rescue Movement” aimed at mobilising youths, workers, professionals, farmers, traders and Nigerians in the diaspora. He stressed that his campaign would be grassroots-based and free from the influence of political godfathers or wealthy financiers.