Nigeria’s Tinubu launches re-election campaign

President Bola Tinubu formally launched his re-election campaign on Saturday in Kaduna, Nigeria's northern city, with the aim of convincing voters that his economic reforms are beginning to alleviate the country's worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. The 74-year-old incumbent faces a competitive race ahead of the January 16 election, expected to be dominated by economic and security issues.

Tinubu's main contenders include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who placed second and third in the 2023 poll.

Upon arrival at the 10,000-capacity Ranchers Bees Stadium, thousands of supporters of Tinubu's All Progressives Congress party had gathered, with more arriving throughout the rally. In his speech, Tinubu thanked the large turnout, promising that voters must "go out massively and elect me again" in 2027. The opposition, however, has accused Tinubu of causing the economic hardships, claiming that they are the ones responsible for hunger and poverty.

Tinubu has dismissed these allegations, asserting that his rivals are the ones who created the problems, and vowed to eradicate them. Phrank Shaibu, a spokesman for Atiku's campaign, dismissed Tinubu's claims, stating that the president is attempting to avoid responsibility. Additionally, Tinubu will need to address security concerns, as Nigeria currently grapples with armed bandits and kidnappers in the northwest region and a 17-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast.

Tinubu enters the race with a strong political network, with 32 of Nigeria's 36 state governors reportedly backing him, providing him with an unprecedented level of organizational strength. However, he may face challenges in the north, where Atiku, a seasoned northern politician, could attempt to undermine his support. Tinubu has opted not to hold campaign rallies in all 36 states, instead focusing on 12 states and ultimately holding a major closing rally in his home state of Lagos on January 9.