2027: What Tinubu, Obi, Atiku, others have promised Nigerians so far

With 18 presidential candidates vying for the 2027 Nigerian general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission has unveiled their policy positions on a range of critical issues, including the economy, fuel pricing, electricity, security, education, jobs, and social welfare. These candidates, representing diverse political backgrounds, have made various promises that have significantly influenced the campaign narrative. Here, we outline some of the most prominent pledges made by the leading contenders.

President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emphasizes the economic reforms implemented since 2023, including the discontinuation of petrol subsidies and the restructuring of the foreign exchange system. Tinubu asserts that these measures have prioritized infrastructure, power, education, security, and the oil and gas sector.

He pledges to continue the administration's economic programme, focusing on expansion, industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency, and democratic consolidation. On electricity, Tinubu highlights increased power generation and metering efforts while maintaining the commitment to resolve sectoral debts.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) counters Tinubu's approach by proposing a return to petrol subsidies, arguing that the benefits of the savings associated with their removal have not been adequately realized. Initially met with some confusion over his stance, Atiku has since reaffirmed his commitment to reinstating subsidy.

He questions the utilization of funds saved from the subsidy removal and proposes a production subsidy for domestically refined petroleum products. Additionally, Atiku has outlined plans to establish a system for transparent tracking and reporting of oil production, transactions, and revenues to mitigate corruption.

Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) also advocates for a fuel subsidy return, but emphasizes that it would be implemented transparently and effectively to avoid the corruption that plagued previous systems. Obi aims to track Nigeria's oil production, transactions, and revenues to ensure accountability. He promises increased power generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years, alongside a target petrol price of N200 per litre.

His broader agenda includes investments in agriculture, education, security, infrastructure, and rail transportation, with a commitment to expanding healthcare coverage and services.

Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has taken a more aggressive stance against insecurity, pledging to eradicate it within four years. Adebayo's energy plan involves the construction of four functional refineries and the generation of 75,000 megawatts of electricity. He proposes to sell petrol, cooking gas, and Jet A1 at no more than N200 per litre, which he claims will be funded through the revenue generated by other petroleum derivatives.

Adebayo's vision also encompasses food sufficiency, education expansion, and improved healthcare provision.