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| Top contenders in the 2027 Nigerian presidential election |
As Nigeria’s 2027 general election campaigns officially commence, attention is fixed on President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, with growing anxiety that the contest could descend into hate speech, ethnic profiling, misinformation and violence rather than a debate on national issues.
Presidential and National Assembly campaigns began on Tuesday, August 19, 2026, and will run until January 15, 2027, a day before the elections scheduled for January 16. Governorship and state assembly campaigns start on September 9 and end on February 5, ahead of polls on February 6.
Last week, some presidential candidates signed the National Peace Accord, facilitated by the National Peace Committee and the Kukah Centre. The agreement commits parties and candidates to peaceful, issue-based campaigns. Signatories included Peter Obi of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC). Tinubu was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, while Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) stayed away without explanation.
Tinubu, Atiku and Obi are widely regarded as the leading contenders. Early signs of personal confrontation have already emerged. Atiku recently dragged Tinubu to court over alleged non-participation in the National Youth Service Corps, contrary to claims in forms submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission. Obi’s camp is also pursuing related matters in the United States linked to past forfeiture cases involving the president. Observers note similarities to the bitter exchanges that marked the 2023 presidential race.
Stakeholders have voiced strong concerns. Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin of the Centre for Change warned of the weaponisation of social media, where false information and manipulated videos can spread rapidly and inflame tensions. She urged candidates to challenge records and policies rather than engage in mudslinging, stressing that political opponents are not enemies.
ActionAid Nigeria Country Director Dr Andrew Mamedu said political competition must not be turned into ethnic hatred or religious division. He pointed to the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits abusive language capable of injuring ethnic, religious or sectional feelings, and called for campaigns focused on hunger, unemployment, insecurity and rising living costs.
Other voices offered more measured views. Afenifere General Secretary Chief Ademola Folarin said hate speech and ethnic profiling are familiar features of Nigerian politics and unlikely to have unusual impact this time. Former political adviser Chief Akin Osuntokun acknowledged that such tactics remain effective political instruments but hoped they would remain the exception rather than the rule.
The Yoruba Council of Elders and human rights lawyer Idris Faro joined calls for restraint, free and fair polls, and strict adherence to campaign rules. Across the board, stakeholders insisted the 2027 elections should centre on solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges rather than division.
With the Peace Accord signed but early legal and rhetorical battles already underway, the coming months will test whether candidates and their supporters can keep the contest focused on ideas or allow it to slip into the bitterness that has marked previous cycles.