The 2027 Nigeria general election is almost here, and it is already creating tension in the political arena, as political landscapes and dynamics are changing their color. There have been changes in tactics, and the political dynamics have changed compared to 2023. Public opinion toward the candidates is also another factor that has suddenly started working against the 2023 candidates. Among the youths in 2023, for example, a large part of them pitched their tents toward a particular candidate. The youth then believed a particular candidate represented their voice, and they said he was different from the ones we already have. Somebody like Peter Obi was the favorite and adopted candidate of the youth, and this worked greatly for him. Will that also work again in the 2027 general election?
This week, City People brings to you factors that will work for President Bola Ahmed, and these are factors that weren’t there in the last election.
In the 2023 election that produced the president, it was a hostile atmosphere for President Tinubu even within his party as some top party members preferred another candidate, while the cabals in the Aso Rock worked against him. But the story has changed and the president is beginning to get nods from where he was hated. Though the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira affected the president in the initial stage, the Nigerian economy is beginning to stabilize, and more and more people in Nigeria are now commending the president for sticking with his policies that are now getting international recognition. One of the first is the open praise and recognition of Nigeria’s growing economy by the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, who is highly followed by the majority of youth on social media, Twitter, which Elon Musk owns. “In early 2026, Elon Musk reacted to IMF data highlighting Nigeria as one of the top 10 contributors to global GDP growth for 2026, stating that ‘the balance of power is changing.’ Musk signaled a shift toward emerging markets, with Nigeria ranked sixth due to a projected 1.5% contribution to global real GDP growth.” This recognition by the owner of Twitter generated a lot of debates among Nigerian youth within the country, and it worked magic for the president, as many who used to criticize the president are beginning to rethink. While those who live outside the country, especially those who despise Mr. President, are now praising him, and they are even saying he needs to continue in that regard.
Even the IMF’s recent commendation is another positive remark that has changed a lot of perceptions about the President. “The IMF has commended Nigeria’s recent economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of foreign exchange rates, and improved revenue collection. These bold, pro-space policy steps have helped stabilize the economy, with growth projected at 4.4% for 2026.” Some of these things are online and are always debated, especially among youths who didn’t think the President could achieve so much that would make the richest man in the world, whom they adore as a mentor and as someone they always refer to, commend Nigeria for its policies. Even the IMF has come out to commend the gradual progress of the Nigerian economy as a result of the new policies of Mr. President. Presently, many youths are now beginning to fall in love with the President. Just a few days ago, a group of young finance investors were debating on national television, and one of them openly said he did not vote for the President, but he loves what is happening in the financial market. According to Samson Ezemuede, an investor, in 2023, he didn’t vote for Tinubu, but currently, he likes what is happening in the macro stability; he has to win. “Baba has to win oo.” And the people in the studio agreed with him. These are some of the dynamics and indexes working in favor of Mr. President in 2027. They also agreed on that program that he is the only one that can bring all these together to work in Nigeria.
Generally, many young Nigerian financial investors and industry leaders are praising President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms for driving significant market growth and boosting investor confidence. Key reforms, including foreign exchange unification and the removal of fuel subsidies, have been credited with over ¦ 60 trillion in stock market capitalization growth, while initiatives like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund and youth-focused entrepreneurship programs are enhancing economic inclusion, according to analysts and reports from early 2026. These are some of the basis that will form people’s opinions, both young and old, in the coming presidential election. People’s opinions are beginning to be divided based on the current happenings in the country.
Another point why the president will have the majority of votes in 2027 is that those who worked against the president in the last election are now in his camp. They aren’t just there; they have begun massive awareness campaigns for 2027. These are celebrities with large followings both online and on social media. They aren’t just influencers; they deliver results. One of them is Samklef, a popular Nigerian musician who is highly respected among youths. He worked for Peter Obi in the last election and did so well. These were boys who formed the Obidients, and he is one of the leaders of the End SARS protest that led to the popularity of Peter Obi. There are several others in that category who are no longer with Peter Obi and are now working for the president.
The prominent leaders, celebrities, and party leaders, including governors, have told the people of the state and their followers about 2027. One of them is Cubana Chief Priest; he has assured the president of his promise on many occasions. Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast region have also vowed to deliver massively for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term aspiration, warning against a repeat of the 2023 general elections that gave the ruling party 60 percent of the vote in the presidential election. It has been said that the president won the presidential election in 2023 when he had no support from the region. Now that Governor Soludo of APGA and other APC governors have vowed to deliver their region for the president, it has been said that the president will have a landslide victory. The same applies in the South-South region. There are also other factors that will shape the 2027 election. The chairmen of 774 local governments across the country, who are now getting their funds directly from the federal government, will work for Tinubu’s reelection. Political experts have said that these chairmen will work directly with the federal government in the coming election to deliver their base to the federal government. “Their alliance is now with the federal government, which pays them directly and would not want anyone to come and stop the policy that has now turned funds for many local governments from 50 million on average to 500 million in most cases now.”
And one of the leading candidates aside from Obi and President Tinubu is Atiku Abubakar, whom many believe is a strong force against the reelection of the president. But analysts have said his base in the north is where he is most relevant. And as an opposition, you should have a strong platform from which to seek your reelection, not a party like ADC with no grassroots structures and backing. Even as they come together, the key opposition hasn’t agreed on who to run, and this is a big factor for an opposition while the incumbent is far ahead in its game. It has been said and predicted by top political figures that if Atiku wins the ADC ticket, Peter Obi will leave the party, and if Peter Obi gets the ticket, Atiku will also seek his ambition elsewhere. And this is a big disadvantage for any of the two candidates. It is also said that once Peter Obi and Atiku run separately using another platform, it is a big plus for the incumbent.
As the incumbent president, Asiwaju will leverage the tangible outcomes of his administration’s policies during his re-election campaign. His focus on infrastructure development, agriculture, energy reforms, a thriving digital economy, and national security under the “Renewed Hope” agenda is gradually yielding results that will resonate with voters. What sets President Tinubu apart from many political figures, whether within or outside opposing coalitions, is not just his experience but also his visionary outlook for Nigeria’s future. By prioritizing economic transformation, youth empowerment, and technological advancement, his administration continues to build confidence among millions of Nigerians who seek continuity and stability. Another area where he is being praised is the area of student loans. Thousands of students have benefited from this policy, and undergraduates cannot help but commend the president for that. These are a few reasons, apart from the obvious reasons that everybody can point to, that have placed Mr. President ahead of other contestants for the 2027 presidential election.
Isaac Abimbade
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