Africa-Press – Nigeria. Official election campaigns for the presidential and parliamentary elections have commenced in Nigeria, following the lifting of restrictions on campaign activities by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The campaigns are set to conclude 24 hours before the election, specifically on January 15, 2027.
On the eve of the campaign launch, candidates and party leaders signed a “Peace Pact” organized by the National Peace Committee, as reported by a local source. The president called for competition based on better ideas, discussing issues, and promoting policies that expand opportunities. The chairman of the electoral commission viewed the pact as an opportunity to outline the ethical boundaries for the 2027 race before the campaigns began.
According to Nigerian press, three candidates are leading the race:
– President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the All Progressives Congress.
– Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party.
– Peter Obi from the Labour Party.
Reform and Security Stakes
The government is banking on its economic record, as George Akume, a prominent leader of the ruling party, stated that they will campaign with “undeniable facts,” indicating that the government is addressing structural challenges at their roots, including local governance independence and digital reforms, according to a local newspaper.
Conversely, a news agency reported that the living standards of millions of Nigerians have deteriorated over the past three years following the removal of fuel subsidies, the devaluation of the naira, and cuts to electricity support, with gasoline prices rising sixfold.
The agency cited World Bank estimates indicating that just over half of the population was living below the poverty line last year, compared to about 42% in 2022. The International Monetary Fund noted in June that reforms have improved investor confidence and economic stability, despite the rising poverty rate.
A local newspaper reported that a report from Nigeria Watch indicated that 5,272 people were killed between January and May 2026, with fatalities from armed gang attacks and counter-operations reaching 3,974 in 2025 compared to 1,452 in 2024.
The chairman of the electoral commission stated that “the level of insecurity in various parts of the country poses a threat to conducting free and fair elections.”
Opposition Seeking a Single Candidate
Meanwhile, opposition forces are striving to avoid splitting the vote. A local source reported that the “G-100” group, led by a former ruling party leader, called for discussions to support a single presidential candidate, involving the Labour Party, the Democratic Leadership Alliance, and the Coalition of United Political Parties.
However, the source noted that the opposition remains hesitant to finalize its decision, as the Labour Party rejected the formation of new coalitions, urging the opposition to merge into its existing structure instead of this proposal. Obstacles include adherence to existing party platforms and disagreements over a unified candidate.
