Campaigns for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections have officially commenced, setting the stage for a major political contest ahead of the January 16, 2027, polls.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed Wednesday, August 19, 2026, for the commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections. The campaigns are scheduled to end 24 hours before Election Day.
President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking a second term, with the election expected to focus heavily on the performance of his administration and its economic and security policies.
Tinubu’s campaign is expected to highlight reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms, which the administration says were necessary to stabilise the economy, increase government revenue and attract investment.
The President has defended the reforms, arguing that they have strengthened economic management and restored investor confidence, while opposition parties have criticised the policies over their impact on the cost of living.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is contesting the presidency on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Other political parties have also fielded candidates for the presidential election, making the 2027 contest a multi-party race.
With the campaign window now open, political parties and candidates are expected to intensify their mobilisation efforts and present their programmes to voters across the country.
The election is expected to focus on key national issues, including the economy, security, employment, infrastructure, food security and governance.
The presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
