Nigeria’s 2027 Presidential Election: 99 Days to Go as Tinubu, Atiku, Obi and 15 Others Prepare for Battle.

 

Nigeria’s 2027 Presidential Election: 99 Days to Go as Tinubu, Atiku, Obi and 15 Others Prepare for Battle.

Nigeria is approaching another important moment in its democratic history as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gather momentum. As of Friday, October 9, 2026, exactly 99 days remain before Nigerians head to the polls on January 16, 2027, to elect their next president and members of the National Assembly.

The upcoming election is attracting nationwide attention because Nigerians are facing several important challenges, including the high cost of living, insecurity, unemployment, electricity shortages, fuel prices and concerns about the country's economic future.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking another four-year term, while opposition politicians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and other presidential candidates, are presenting alternative plans for the country's future.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 18 presidential candidates and their running mates have been listed for the election. This means Nigerians will have 18 presidential tickets to choose from when they vote in January.

However, the election is not only about the most popular political personalities. It is also about the policies, promises, experience and plans each candidate is presenting to Nigerians.

Here is the current situation surrounding the presidential election, the candidates on the ballot and their progress so far.

When Will Nigeria's 2027 Presidential Election Hold?

INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027.

The governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Political campaigns for the presidential election officially began on August 19, 2026, following the conclusion of the party primaries and the submission of candidates' details.

INEC subsequently published its final list of presidential candidates and their running mates on September 12, 2026.

With 99 days remaining until election day, candidates have entered an important stage of their campaigns. They must communicate their programmes to voters, organise political activities, reach communities across the country and convince Nigerians that their proposed policies can address the country's problems.

The election will also test the strength of Nigeria's political parties, their organisational structures and their ability to mobilise supporters across the country's six geopolitical zones.

The following candidates are on INEC's published list for the presidential election.

1. Bola Ahmed Tinubu — All Progressives Congress (APC)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress. His running mate is Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu became president in May 2023 after winning the 2023 presidential election. He is now seeking another term, arguing that the economic reforms introduced by his administration need time to produce their intended results.

His administration removed the petrol subsidy and changed Nigeria's foreign-exchange policy in 2023. These decisions significantly affected the country's economic environment and generated different reactions among Nigerians.

The government has defended the reforms as necessary steps towards reducing fiscal pressure, improving economic management and attracting investment.

However, the removal of the petrol subsidy contributed to higher transportation costs and increased pressure on household budgets. Many Nigerians continue to demand policies that will make food, electricity, housing and other essential goods more affordable.

During his campaign activities, Tinubu has highlighted infrastructure development, domestic refining, electricity reforms, education financing and efforts to improve food production.

His administration has also pointed to initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and investments in roads and other public infrastructure.

As the election approaches, one of the central questions surrounding his campaign is whether voters believe the benefits of his economic policies are becoming visible in their daily lives.

His campaign must also address public concerns about insecurity, inflation, employment and the cost of living.

2. Atiku Abubakar — African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress.

Atiku secured the ADC presidential ticket after defeating other contenders, including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, in the party's primary process.

His running mate is Rotimi Amaechi, who previously served as governor of Rivers State and as Nigeria's minister of transportation.

Atiku has contested the presidency several times and remains one of the country's most experienced opposition politicians.

His campaign has focused on economic restructuring, employment, education, accountability and the need to improve the business environment.

He has also criticised aspects of the Tinubu administration's economic policies and proposed alternative approaches to addressing the cost of living.

One issue attracting attention is the debate over petrol subsidy and how Nigeria should manage its petroleum resources while reducing the financial burden on citizens.

Atiku's challenge is to explain how his proposals would be funded and implemented, while convincing voters that his administration would deliver measurable improvements.

His party must also build a strong national campaign organisation capable of reaching voters across Nigeria.

3. Peter Obi — Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi is contesting under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

His running mate is Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State and a prominent northern political figure.

Obi previously contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, where he attracted substantial support, particularly among young Nigerians and voters seeking alternatives to the country's established political parties.

His move to the NDC has made his 2027 campaign one of the major developments in the opposition political landscape.

Obi has consistently emphasised prudent public spending, investment in production, education, healthcare, agriculture and the development of small businesses.

He has also argued that Nigeria should move away from excessive dependence on consumption and focus more on producing goods and services.

His campaign has proposed improvements in electricity generation, transportation infrastructure and healthcare access.

On petroleum policy, Obi has advocated a transparent system for managing any intervention intended to reduce fuel costs. He has also discussed maintaining a floating exchange-rate system while improving domestic productivity.

The Obi-Kwankwaso ticket brings together two politicians with previous executive experience and established political followings.

Their campaign will need to explain how their proposed policies would work in practice, how they would finance them and how their supporters would be mobilised across different parts of the country.

4. Sunday Chibuzo Okereke — Labour Party (LP)

Sunday Chibuzo Okereke is the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, with Hajja Bintu Konto as his running mate.

The Labour Party attracted considerable national attention during the 2023 election because Peter Obi contested under its platform.

However, Obi is now contesting under another party, leaving the Labour Party to pursue the presidency with a different candidate.

Okereke's campaign will have to establish its own identity, explain its economic and social priorities, and demonstrate how it intends to address unemployment, insecurity and the rising cost of living.

The party will also need to communicate its plans to Nigerians who may still associate the Labour Party strongly with its previous presidential candidate.

With the election approaching, the visibility of its campaign and the details of its policy proposals will be important factors for voters to examine.

5. Sandy Ojang Onor — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Sandy Ojang Onor is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.

His running mate is Umaru Babangida.

Onor previously served as a senator representing Cross River Central and has been involved in Nigerian politics for several years.

The PDP was the governing party in Nigeria from 1999 until 2015 and has remained one of the country's major political organisations despite losing the presidency to the APC.

The party has faced internal disagreements and political defections in recent years. These challenges have affected its organisation and its position within the opposition.

Onor's campaign comes at a time when the party must demonstrate that it can organise an effective national campaign and present a convincing alternative to the current administration.

Voters will be looking for details of the PDP candidate's plans for the economy, security, education, employment and public services.

The party's ability to organise its members and communicate a clear message will be an important part of its election preparations.

6. Rufai Adekunle Omo-Aje — Action Alliance (AA)

Rufai Adekunle Omo-Aje is the presidential candidate of the Action Alliance, with Shehu Hussaini as his running mate.

The Action Alliance is among the smaller political parties participating in the presidential election.

Omo-Aje will be seeking to introduce his political programme to voters and demonstrate how his administration would address the country's challenges.

For candidates from smaller parties, nationwide recognition, campaign financing, access to voters and the strength of party structures can present significant organisational challenges.

Nevertheless, their participation gives voters additional choices beyond the country's most prominent political parties.

7. Abbas-Bin Aliyu — Action Democratic Party (ADP)

Abbas-Bin Aliyu is the presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party, with Ike Chinazam as his running mate.

The ADP is another party seeking to compete for the presidency in 2027.

Aliyu's campaign will need to explain its priorities for economic development, security, education, healthcare and employment.

As election day approaches, Nigerians will be able to assess the party's programme alongside the proposals of the other candidates.

The central issue for voters will be the substance of its policies and the practical steps it proposes to take if elected.

8. Kabiru Yusuf — Action Peoples Party (APP)

Kabiru Yusuf is the presidential candidate of the Action Peoples Party, with Peace Egobia Ofordile as his running mate.

Yusuf is among the candidates seeking to contest the presidency outside the country's largest political parties.

The APP's participation adds another option to the presidential ballot.

As campaigns continue, the party will need to communicate its policies clearly and explain how it intends to address the economic and social problems facing Nigerians.

9. Omoyele Sowore — African Action Congress (AAC)

Human rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore is the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress.

His running mate is Haruna Garba Magashi.

Sowore has previously contested the presidency and is known for his criticism of successive Nigerian governments.

His political message has emphasised anti-corruption measures, political accountability, public-sector reform and changes to Nigeria's economic system.

For the 2027 election, Sowore has promoted technology-driven governance, including proposals involving artificial intelligence and blockchain to improve public financial management.

He has also discussed free education, improved electricity supply, affordable housing and higher wages for Nigerian workers.

His proposals include using technology to identify irregularities in public spending and increasing transparency in government transactions.

Some of these proposals would require detailed implementation plans, legal safeguards, financing arrangements and strong public institutions.

As his campaign progresses, voters will need to examine how the proposals would work in practice and what resources would be required to deliver them.

10. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde — Allied Peoples Movement (APM)

Oyo State Governor Oluseyi Makinde is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement.

His running mate is Musa Lawal Daura.

Makinde has served as governor of Oyo State since 2019 and has developed a political profile through his administration's activities in the state.

His presidential campaign has focused on economic management, agriculture, education, security and the need to improve living conditions.

Makinde has also discussed petroleum-sector reforms and ways of reducing production costs for Nigerian refineries.

His campaign will need to explain how policies developed or implemented at the state level could be adapted to the responsibilities of the federal government.

The election will also bring attention to his record as governor and the extent to which his proposed national policies differ from those of other candidates.

11. Sunday Adenuga — Boot Party (BP)

Sunday Adenuga is the presidential candidate of the Boot Party, with Usman Turaki Mustapha as his running mate.

The Boot Party is among the smaller political organisations contesting the presidential election.

Adenuga's participation means the party will have an opportunity to present its policies to voters during the campaign period.

As with other candidates from smaller parties, public recognition, campaign organisation and the ability to communicate a clear programme will be important challenges.

Voters will need to examine the party's proposals and determine what practical steps it intends to take on the economy, security and public services.

12. Moses Olusoji Adebisi — Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)

Moses Olusoji Adebisi is the presidential candidate of the Democratic Leadership Alliance.

His running mate is Nafisat Usaku Abubakar.

The DLA is another political party represented on INEC's final presidential list.

Adebisi will be competing to attract public attention in a crowded field of candidates.

His campaign's visibility and the clarity of its policy proposals will be important in helping Nigerians understand the party's approach to national development.

13. Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori — Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP)

Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party, with Uchenna Anthony Chukwuemeka as her running mate.

Her candidacy adds a woman to the field of presidential contenders.

Women remain underrepresented in Nigeria's highest political offices, and Okwori's participation provides another example of a woman seeking the country's highest elected position.

Her campaign will need to communicate its policies on economic development, education, healthcare, security and employment.

Voters will also be able to assess her proposals alongside those of the other candidates on the ballot.

14. Nkem Esther Okereke — National Rescue Movement (NRM)

Nkem Esther Okereke is the presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement, with Nasir Muhammed Sulaiman as her running mate.

Her candidacy adds another woman to the presidential race.

The NRM will be seeking to establish its campaign message and communicate its approach to Nigeria's economic and social challenges.

As the election approaches, the party will need to make its proposals accessible to voters and explain how its policies would be implemented if elected.

15. Donald Duke — Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)

Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party.

His running mate is Kabiru Rabiu.

Duke served as governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007 and is known for his previous work in state administration and tourism development.

His presidential campaign has highlighted security, productivity, education and the need to improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

Duke has argued that government should concentrate on creating an environment where farmers, traders, workers and businesses can operate safely and productively.

He has also questioned aspects of Nigeria's historical petrol-subsidy arrangements and called attention to transparency in the management of the country's petroleum resources.

His campaign will need to explain how these ideas would translate into federal policies and how his administration would address the country's current economic difficulties.

16. Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo — Social Democratic Party (SDP)

Prince Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo is the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party.

His running mate is Usman Muhammed Bugaje.

Adebayo also contested the 2023 presidential election and has continued to promote his political programme through the SDP.

His campaign has focused on insecurity, poverty, employment, energy and access to education and healthcare.

In September 2026, he presented the SDP's 2027–2031 policy blueprint, titled Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity.

Among his proposals are improved domestic refining, increased electricity generation and measures intended to reduce the cost of living.

He has also announced ambitious targets for electricity supply and proposed policies aimed at making petroleum products more affordable.

These proposals have attracted attention because electricity costs and fuel prices affect transportation, manufacturing, small businesses and household expenses.

The important question is how the proposed targets would be financed and achieved within the promised period.

17. Peter Ada Agada — Young Progressives Party (YPP)

Peter Ada Agada is the presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party, with Patience Ndidi Key as his running mate.

The YPP is among the parties seeking to compete for national political leadership outside the APC and the major opposition parties.

Agada's candidacy provides another choice for Nigerians who want to examine alternative political programmes.

The party's campaign will need to communicate its policies on employment, education, economic opportunities, security and public-sector reform.

18. Daniel Daberechukwu Nwanyanwu — Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)

Daniel Daberechukwu Nwanyanwu is the presidential candidate of the Zenith Labour Party.

His running mate is Hassan Khalid.

The ZLP completes the list of 18 presidential tickets published by INEC.

Nwanyanwu will be competing to present his party's vision for Nigeria and explain how its proposed policies could improve the lives of citizens.

As the election approaches, voters will have the opportunity to compare the party's programme with those of the other candidates.

The party's visibility, campaign activities and ability to communicate practical proposals will be important aspects of its participation in the election.

The Major Issues Shaping the 2027 Presidential Election

Although the candidates come from different political parties, several national problems are expected to remain central to the election.

1. Cost of Living and Food Prices

The high cost of food, transportation, housing and other essential goods remains a major concern for many Nigerian households.

Candidates are presenting different approaches to economic management, domestic production and petroleum pricing.

Tinubu's campaign is defending the current administration's economic reforms, while opposition candidates have proposed alternative measures.

Voters will need to examine how each proposal would affect household income, government revenue, inflation and the availability of essential goods.

2. Insecurity Across Nigeria

Insecurity remains another important campaign issue.

Communities in different parts of Nigeria have experienced challenges involving armed attacks, kidnapping, communal violence and criminal activity.

Presidential candidates are expected to explain how they would strengthen security agencies, improve intelligence gathering, protect rural communities and address the conditions that contribute to criminal activity.

Promises to improve security will need to be accompanied by clear plans for implementation, funding and accountability.

3. Electricity and Employment

Unreliable electricity affects households, manufacturers, traders and small businesses.

Many businesses depend on generators, increasing their operating costs.

Candidates have proposed different approaches to electricity generation, infrastructure investment and energy-sector reform.

Employment is equally important, particularly for young Nigerians seeking stable incomes and opportunities to develop their skills.

The candidates' plans for industrial development, agriculture, education and small businesses will therefore receive considerable attention.

4. Fuel Prices and Petroleum Policy

The removal of the petrol subsidy remains one of the most debated economic decisions of recent years.

Tinubu's administration has defended the policy, while some opposition candidates have proposed alternative interventions to reduce the burden on consumers.

The debate involves more than the price of petrol. It also concerns government spending, domestic refining, crude-oil production, transportation costs and the financial sustainability of any proposed subsidy.

Nigerians will need to understand how the different proposals would be funded and what their likely effects would be on the wider economy.

What Happens Between Now and Election Day?

With 99 days remaining, the campaigns have entered a period in which voters will be looking for more information about the candidates' policies and records.

Political parties must communicate their programmes, organise campaign activities and explain how their proposed policies would work.

Citizens should also pay attention to the accuracy of information circulating on social media. False claims, misleading videos and fabricated statements can create confusion during an election campaign.

INEC will be responsible for conducting the election in accordance with the applicable electoral laws and procedures.

The credibility of the process will depend on several factors, including effective election administration, voter participation, security arrangements and compliance with electoral rules.

Candidates and their supporters also have a responsibility to campaign peacefully and respect the rights of other political participants.

Conclusion: Nigeria Counts Down to January 16, 2027

Nigeria's 2027 presidential election is approaching, with 18 candidates officially listed for the contest.

President Bola Tinubu is seeking another term, while Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and 15 other candidates are preparing to present their programmes to voters.

The coming weeks will provide further opportunities for Nigerians to examine the candidates' promises, political records and proposed solutions to the country's challenges.

The election will determine who occupies the presidency for the next four-year term and help shape the direction of national policy.

As the countdown continues, Nigerians face an important responsibility: to seek reliable information, compare the candidates' proposals and participate peacefully in the democratic process.

On January 16, 2027, voters will have the opportunity to decide which presidential ticket they want to lead the country.

Nigeria's 2027 presidential election is now 99 days away. The countdown has begun.

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