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Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched his re-election manifesto, outlining a platform that prioritizes economic expansion, enhanced security, and housing development. The plan, titled “From Reform to Prosperity,” seeks to build upon the economic policies implemented during his first term as the country prepares for the general election in January 2027.
Economic Goals and Challenges
The manifesto sets an ambitious target of 6% annual economic growth by 2031. This builds on the foundation of reforms initiated since Tinubu took office in 2023, which included the removal of fuel subsidies, tax changes, and the harmonization of foreign exchange rates. While these measures received praise from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for improving macroeconomic stability, they have also caused significant financial strain for many citizens.
According to Joshua Osiyemi of the BudgIT Foundation, the initial reforms were intended to prevent the country from slipping into deeper austerity. However, the resulting surge in the cost of living—including a 184% rise in the price of imported rice between May 2023 and October 2025, as reported by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting—has left many families struggling. While SBM Intelligence noted a recent 11.5% decline in the cost of preparing a pot of jollof rice, analysts suggest this has not yet provided substantial relief to households.
Tinubu’s administration has introduced a 125 billion naira intervention package to support small businesses and manufacturers to mitigate these pressures. Meanwhile, political opponents, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, have criticized the subsidy removal, with Atiku pledging to restore it if elected. However, experts like Osiyemi warn that Nigeria’s current fiscal position, with 15.8 trillion naira of the 2026 budget allocated to debt servicing, makes a return to subsidies difficult.
Security and Infrastructure Priorities
To address the country’s persistent security challenges, particularly in the north, the manifesto proposes the recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel and 50,000 police officers. These efforts aim to combat threats from jihadists, kidnapping gangs, and conflicts between herders and farmers. Security also remains a top priority for Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, who has centered his campaign on national unity and aggressive action against those who kidnap citizens.
The manifesto further pledges to increase electricity generation toward 10,000MW. Nigeria’s power sector currently faces significant hurdles, including aging infrastructure and funding gaps, with the country generating an average of only 4,223MW in 2024 despite a higher installed capacity. Additionally, the government has promised to build 200,000 affordable homes, a figure that remains a small fraction of the estimated 14.9 million-unit housing deficit identified in 2025.
The Path to the 2027 Election
As the election approaches, the political landscape remains dominated by Tinubu, Atiku, and Obi. Analysts suggest that the APC holds an advantage as the incumbent party, noting that the momentum seen by opposition candidates in 2023 has largely faded. Ikenna Okonkwo of SBM Intelligence observed that the outcome may again hinge on regional and tribal factors, similar to the 2023 contest.
Ultimately, the success of the current administration’s re-election bid will depend on its ability to convince voters that its reforms will lead to tangible improvements in their daily lives. While some analysts view the manifesto’s targets as achievable with strong commitment, the primary challenge for the APC remains regaining the trust of a public weary from economic hardship.
