Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s President and presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), have adopted contrasting strategies in the early days of the 2027 presidential campaign, setting the tone for a contest expected to revolve around the economy, insecurity and governance.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on public campaigns on Wednesday, August 19, opening the 150-day campaign window ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
Tinubu’s campaign has so far combined his responsibilities as incumbent president with efforts to project his administration’s record.
On the first day, he presided over a Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, where decisions were taken on the economy, education and infrastructure. His campaign team also deployed mascots carrying banners promoting his re-election in strategic locations across Abuja, with messages highlighting a stronger naira and a more stable economy.
The approach allows Tinubu to campaign largely on his government’s record, but it also exposes him to scrutiny over the economic hardship associated with his reforms.
Atiku has chosen a more confrontational opening.
The ADC presidential candidate used a Hausa-language interview and a Facebook Live session to attack the removal of petrol subsidy, promising to restore it if elected.
‘I initially did not oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. But now that it has been removed, where is the money?’ Atiku asked.
His submission came as the federal government said subsidy removal and naira liberalisation generated N15.8 trillion in savings between June 2023 and December 2025.
The figures have therefore produced an immediate campaign battle over the meaning and benefits of the reforms. While the Tinubu administration presents them as necessary steps towards economic stability, Atiku is seeking to turn their impact on household incomes into a case for political change.
Obi has taken a different route.
The NDC presidential candidate commenced his campaign in Onitsha, Anambra State, urging voters to assess candidates by their records, competence and ability to deliver measurable improvements.
He asked whether Nigerians are better off, whether they can afford food, education and healthcare, whether businesses can create jobs and whether farmers can work safely.
‘Reform is not the goal, better lives are,’ Obi said. He promised to pursue economic growth, improve security and move Nigeria from consumption to production.
The opening days have consequently revealed three distinct campaign narratives. Tinubu is defending the direction of his reforms; Atiku is challenging that direction, particularly on subsidy; while Obi is attempting to make competence, accountability and results the central tests of the election.
Meanwhile, 16 other presidential candidates for the 2027 poll are yet to commence campaigns of any form.
Analysts say as campaigns spread across the country, the contest will move beyond opening messages to the harder question of whether the candidates can convince voters that their competing prescriptions can deliver a better Nigeria.