With Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election approaching, political candidates have begun presenting their plans to address some of the country’s biggest challenges, including rising living costs, insecurity, unemployment, poor electricity supply and the state of public services.
The candidates are offering different approaches to economic management, petrol pricing, job creation, education, healthcare and national security as they seek the support of voters ahead of the January 16, 2027 election.
While President Bola Tinubu is campaigning on the continuation of his administration’s economic reforms, opposition candidates have proposed alternatives ranging from restoring petrol subsidy to reducing fuel prices, expanding electricity generation and introducing new social welfare programmes.
Here is what some of the major presidential candidates have promised Nigerians.
Bola Tinubu – All Progressives Congress (APC)
President Bola Tinubu is seeking another term in office, with his campaign centred on continuing the economic reforms introduced since he assumed office in 2023.
The President has defended the removal of petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system, arguing that the measures are necessary to stabilise the economy.
His priorities for another four years include economic expansion, industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency and democratic consolidation.
Tinubu has also highlighted investments in electricity, domestic refining, education and security, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
Atiku Abubakar – African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has proposed restoring petrol subsidy if elected, arguing that Nigerians have not benefited sufficiently from the savings generated by its removal.
His proposed arrangement would focus on domestic crude production and local refining rather than simply returning to the previous import-dependent system.
Atiku has also questioned the management of revenue saved from subsidy removal and called for greater accountability over how the funds are utilised.
Peter Obi – Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has outlined proposals centred on productivity, transparency and improvements in public services.
Among his major commitments is a plan to increase electricity generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years.
Obi has also proposed a transparent fuel subsidy arrangement supported by stronger monitoring of crude oil production, petroleum transactions and government revenues.
Other priorities include expanding health insurance coverage, increasing healthcare spending, investing in agriculture, improving education and security, developing infrastructure and expanding rail transportation.
Adewole Adebayo – Social Democratic Party (SDP)
Adewole Adebayo has presented one of the more ambitious proposals on petrol prices and electricity generation.
Under his proposed economic programme, he wants four Nigerian refineries operating and electricity generation increased to 75,000 megawatts.
He has also promised to reduce petrol, cooking gas and aviation fuel prices to ₦200, with a target of achieving the arrangement within 12 months through domestic refining and other petroleum-sector revenue.
On security, Adebayo has pledged to defeat insecurity within four years.
His other proposals include free education and healthcare, 30 million jobs, and measures to limit transportation and housing expenses to 6% and 7% of workers’ salaries respectively.
Omoyele Sowore – African Action Congress (AAC)
Omoyele Sowore has proposed a technology-driven approach to governance, with artificial intelligence and blockchain featuring prominently in his agenda.
He has promised a ₦500,000 monthly living minimum wage, 24-hour electricity, free education and the construction of one million public mixed-income homes.
Sowore has also proposed using artificial intelligence to monitor public finances and identify possible financial irregularities, while blockchain technology would provide greater transparency in government transactions.
His security proposals include the use of drones, intelligence technology and policing reforms to tackle insecurity.
Seyi Makinde – Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has unveiled his 2027 Reset Agenda, which focuses on economic reforms, education, security and strengthening public institutions.
Rather than restore the previous petrol subsidy system, Makinde has proposed that crude oil supplied to Nigerian refineries should be priced differently from crude sold internationally to make locally refined petroleum products more affordable.
He has also promised greater transparency in the petroleum value chain and improvements in agricultural production, processing, transportation and storage.
Makinde’s manifesto includes measurable performance targets within his administration’s first 100 days, alongside proposals for a national conference and a government of national unity.
He has also proposed that presidential candidates should obtain at least 51% of votes to win an election.
Donald Duke – Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has placed emphasis on security, productivity, education and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
He has called for better protection for farmers and schoolchildren, arguing that citizens should be able to work and attend school without fear.
Duke has also questioned the transparency of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy and petroleum exchange arrangements, maintaining that government should focus on creating the conditions necessary for economic productivity.
What Nigerians should look out for
Beyond campaign speeches and political promises, voters will need to examine how each candidate intends to finance and implement their proposed programmes.
Questions about funding, implementation timelines, constitutional responsibilities, institutional capacity and measurable targets will be important in assessing the proposals.
For instance, promises of cheaper petrol must be examined alongside the cost of production, crude oil pricing, refinery capacity and the possible impact on government revenue.
Similarly, electricity targets should be assessed against the country’s existing generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure.
The 2027 presidential contest is therefore shaping up around competing proposals on how Nigeria should manage its economy, improve security, create employment and provide essential services.
As campaigns progress, Nigerians will have the opportunity to compare the candidates’ manifestos, question their plans and demand clear explanations of how their promises would translate into better living conditions.
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