2027 Elections: Campaigns Begin As Economy, Security Dominate Nigeria’s Political Debate

Campaigning for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections has officially begun, with the economy, rising living costs and insecurity expected to dominate the contest ahead of the January 16 presidential election.

President Bola Tinubu, seeking a second term, is defending economic reforms introduced since his election in 2023, including the removal of the petrol subsidy. While the policies have attracted praise from investors and economists, they have also contributed to a severe cost-of-living crisis, with Nigerians facing high food, transport and other living costs.

Inflation has since eased from its peak, with headline inflation reported at 15.4 per cent in July. However, poverty and unemployment remain major concerns for millions of Nigerians.

Security is another major issue as the country continues to battle jihadist insurgencies, banditry, kidnappings, farmer-herder conflicts and separatist violence, particularly in parts of northern and central Nigeria.

Tinubu enters the election with a strong political advantage, as his All Progressives Congress (APC) controls the presidency, the National Assembly and most state governments. He is expected to face a familiar set of challengers, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Meanwhile, Obi, Omoyele Sowore, Donald Duke and other presidential candidates have signed the National Peace Accord ahead of the elections.

Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, Obi called for credible and violence-free elections, urging Nigerians to reject politicians who violate the agreement.

Tinubu, represented at the event by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, commended the National Peace Committee for promoting peaceful elections. He also highlighted the use of technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which he said has improved electoral transparency.

With voter turnout standing at just 27 per cent in 2023, the major challenge for all candidates will be convincing Nigerians to participate in the 2027 election and believe that their votes will count.