Nigeria will hold its next presidential election in January 2027, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking a second term.
The election is expected to be one of the most closely watched political contests in Africa, with the economy, security and the strength of the opposition likely to shape the campaign.
When is the election?
The presidential election is currently scheduled for 16 January 2027.
Nigerians will elect the President and Vice President, as well as members of the National Assembly. Governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for 6 February 2027.
The electoral calendar may still be updated as the campaign progresses.
Who are the main candidates?
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The incumbent president is running for re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tinubu’s first term has been marked by major economic reforms, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.
His campaign is likely to focus on the long-term benefits of these reforms. However, rising living costs and economic pressure remain significant challenges for the government.
Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains one of the country’s leading opposition figures.
He is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and is seeking to build a broad coalition capable of challenging the APC.
Peter Obi
Peter Obi emerged as a major political force during the 2023 election, winning more than six million votes.
His support was particularly strong among younger voters and in the South-East. His political movement remains an important part of the opposition landscape ahead of 2027.
The opposition’s biggest challenge
The main question facing the opposition is whether it can avoid splitting its vote.
In 2023, Tinubu won approximately 36.6% of the vote, ahead of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. The division between several major opposition candidates helped the APC candidate finish first.
A similar situation in 2027 could once again benefit the incumbent.
A coordinated opposition campaign, however, could make the election considerably more competitive.
The key issues
Three issues are likely to dominate the campaign.
- The economy: Inflation, fuel prices, the exchange rate and household purchasing power remain major concerns.
- Security: Nigeria continues to face insurgencies, kidnappings and armed violence in several parts of the country.
- Youth: Nigeria has a very young population, making employment, education and economic opportunities particularly important electoral issues.
What could decide the election?
The result could depend on the opposition’s ability to cooperate, voter turnout and the distribution of votes across Nigeria’s regions.
The economic situation in the months before the election will also be crucial. If voters begin to see clear benefits from Tinubu’s reforms, the president could strengthen his position. If living costs remain a dominant concern, the opposition could gain ground.
Nigeria 2027: what to watch
As the election approaches, Election4All will track:
- Presidential candidates and party alliances
- Opinion polls
- Economic developments
- Voter registration
- Security developments
- Campaigns and major political events
- State-by-state voting trends
- Election results
Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election will be an important test for the country’s political future and could have significant implications for West Africa.
Election4All will provide regular updates throughout the campaign.