The 2027 presidential election is shaping up to be different from previous elections, with policy, strategic voter engagement and competing narratives increasingly taking centre stage, according to a political analysis.
The analysis identifies former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as running one of the most sophisticated campaigns of his political career, saying he has shifted the election from an expected victory for President Bola Tinubu to a more open contest.
Atiku has focused his campaign on questioning Nigerians about the impact of the Tinubu administration while presenting alternative positions on the government’s economic reforms.
His direct engagement with voters through media interviews and town halls has also been highlighted as a key strength of his campaign.
The analysis argues that Atiku’s campaign has already pressured the Tinubu administration into announcing reductions in transport fares and a $1 billion social protection programme for vulnerable Nigerians.
It also urges Tinubu to adopt a new electoral strategy and move away from what it describes as a “dog approach” of aggressive and confrontational government communication towards a more moderate, engaging and persuasive style.
The analysis praises Information Minister Mohammed Idris for using media briefings and regional town halls to engage Nigerians, but calls for such engagements to become more frequent, targeted and less formal.
It further recommends renaming the Ministry of Information as the Ministry of Communication and Public Engagement to reflect a more democratic, two-way approach to government communication.
The analysis concludes that the 2027 election could ultimately be determined by who listens to citizens more carefully, explains policies more convincingly and engages voters more effectively.