Tinubu Faces Challenges in 2027 Campaign Amid Controversies

The 2027 presidential election in Nigeria is shaping up as a competitive race among three candidates: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice-President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). All candidates have begun their campaigns following the Independent Electoral Commission's declaration of the race.

While Atiku and Obi have been vocal in criticizing the Tinubu Administration, questions arise regarding what achievements Tinubu can campaign on since he took office on May 29, 2023. Both Atiku and Obi are facing significant controversies; Obi's claims of leaving Anambra State debt-free are contested by the current administration, which states he left $123.77 million in external loan obligations.

Atiku, although not convicted, is dealing with allegations of corruption related to the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project, with a recent judgment from the International Arbitration Tribunal linking a $500,000 payment to his ex-wife to the project.