Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections have officially entered the open campaign phase, with political parties and candidates now permitted to begin canvassing for votes across the country as of August 19, 2026.
The commencement of campaigns marks a major turning point in Nigeria’s electoral cycle, coming nearly five months before the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set January 15, 2027, as the final day for campaigning.
President Bola Tinubu is seeking a second term under the All Progressives Congress (APC), while opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, are challenging his bid for re-election. Reuters identifies the fragmented opposition as one of the major factors shaping the contest.
The campaign begins amid economic difficulties and persistent security concerns, which are expected to feature prominently in candidates’ appeals to voters. Dissatisfaction over the cost of living and insecurity could influence voter sentiment, while the government is expected to campaign on its economic reforms and improvements in key macroeconomic indicators.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan has urged political actors to make the campaign a “marketplace of ideas” rather than a “theatre of war,” calling on candidates to explain their proposed solutions to Nigeria’s challenges in areas such as the economy, security and education. Channels Television reported the remarks.
The commencement of campaigns follows the signing of a National Peace Accord by political parties and presidential candidates, committing them to peaceful and issue-based campaigns. The Punch reported that the agreement was signed ahead of the official commencement of the campaign period.
With the campaign season now underway, political parties and candidates are expected to intensify their engagements with voters through rallies, policy announcements, grassroots mobilisation and other campaign activities as they compete for the presidency and seats in the National Assembly.
