Political Parties Struggle to Launch 2027 Campaigns

Following the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) lifting of the ban on campaign activities for the 2027 general elections, political parties in Nigeria are facing challenges in mobilizing for the upcoming elections. The ban was lifted for the Presidential/National Assembly Campaign on August 19 and for the Governorship/State House of Assembly on September 9, 2026.

However, political activities have been subdued, with parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) showing a reluctance to engage in traditional campaign methods. Internal conflicts over candidate selections and economic issues, including high fuel prices, have contributed to low morale among party members.

Notably, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the ADC, recently established his campaign team, which includes Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chair and Nasir El-Rufai as deputy. The NDC has also faced challenges, including a viral but unauthorized Presidential Campaign Council list linked to Peter Obi.