The race for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election has officially entered a new phase, with political parties and their candidates beginning campaigns ahead of the poll.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking a second term in office and will face a number of prominent opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who are contesting on separate platforms.
The campaign period is expected to intensify political competition as candidates move to present their programmes, defend their records and convince Nigerians that they offer the best path for the country.
ECONOMY LIKELY TO DOMINATE CAMPAIGN
Economic conditions are expected to be one of the major issues shaping the election.
Since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu has implemented major reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange system. The administration has defended the measures as necessary to strengthen public finances, attract investment and create the foundation for long-term economic growth.
However, the reforms have also placed pressure on households, with Nigerians facing increased costs of food, transportation and other basic necessities.
The opposition is expected to focus heavily on these challenges, arguing that voters should assess the administration based on their current living conditions rather than promises of future benefits.
Tinubu, on the other hand, is likely to campaign on the progress his administration says has been achieved through its economic policies and seek more time to consolidate the reforms.
INSECURITY REMAINS A MAJOR CONCERN
Security will also feature prominently during the campaign.
Nigeria continues to face challenges involving terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts and separatist violence in different parts of the country.
Opposition candidates are expected to use the security situation to question the government’s performance and present alternative approaches to tackling insecurity.
ATIKU AND OBI AGAINST TINUBU
The 2027 contest will also see Atiku and Obi return to the presidential race after both contested against Tinubu in 2023.
Unlike the discussions that followed the 2023 election, when there were efforts to form a united opposition platform, the two politicians are entering the 2027 race as separate presidential candidates.
Obi, who attracted significant support from young Nigerians during the last election, will be seeking to broaden his support base under a new political platform.
Atiku, meanwhile, brings extensive political experience and a nationwide network to his campaign.
Their decision to contest separately could once again raise concerns about the division of opposition votes.
OPPOSITION FRAGMENTATION COULD BENEFIT TINUBU
One of the major challenges facing the opposition is the large number of candidates seeking to challenge the incumbent.
Tinubu defeated Atiku and Obi in 2023 after the opposition vote was divided among several major candidates. A similar pattern in 2027 could strengthen the President’s chances of securing another term.
The opposition will therefore have to demonstrate not only that Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current administration but also that its candidates can provide a credible alternative.
APC ENTERS CAMPAIGN WITH STRONG STRUCTURE
Tinubu also begins the campaign with the advantage of a powerful political structure.
The ruling All Progressives Congress controls a large number of states and has strengthened its political base following the movement of several opposition politicians into the party.
That gives the APC an extensive grassroots network that could prove important during the election.
For opposition parties, the challenge will be to transform public support and campaign momentum into an effective nationwide electoral structure.
CANDIDATES SIGN PEACE ACCORD
The campaign officially opened against the backdrop of a National Peace Accord signed by presidential candidates and representatives of major political parties.
The agreement commits participants to peaceful and issue-based campaigns while discouraging violence, hate speech, misinformation and personal attacks.
Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, while Obi was among the candidates present.
The Independent National Electoral Commission also urged politicians to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and focus on presenting solutions to Nigerians.
OBI CALLS FOR CREDIBLE ELECTION
Obi used the occasion to appeal for an election in which the votes of Nigerians would determine the outcome.
He urged voters to reject politicians who violate the commitments contained in the peace agreement and called on all participants to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the campaign.
With campaigns now underway, political activities are expected to increase across the country.
Tinubu will seek to persuade voters to give his administration another four years, while Atiku, Obi and other opposition candidates will campaign for a change in leadership.
The economy, cost of living, insecurity, employment, poverty and the credibility of the electoral process are expected to remain central to the contest as Nigerians decide who will lead the country from 2027.
