2027: Tinubu, Atiku, Obi set contrasting campaign tone

…Subsidy, reforms, competence dominate opening days

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…