2027: Nigerians Demand Clear Plans From Tinubu, Atiku, Obi To Fix Country
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, voters across Nigeria have challenged presidential contenders to move beyond campaign rallies, slogans and political attacks and present clear, practical plans for addressing the country’s challenges.
President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and other presidential hopefuls are being urged to explain how they intend to tackle insecurity, unemployment, poverty, economic hardship, education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity and corruption.
The demands emerged from interviews with voters, civil society activists, professionals and political analysts across Niger, Kogi, Gombe, Ekiti, Kwara, Ondo, Imo, Enugu, Cross River, Bayelsa, Kano and Delta states.
Across the country, the message was largely the same: Nigerians want measurable policies, realistic timelines and clear explanations of how proposed programmes will be funded and implemented.
Nigerians want jobs, not temporary empowerment
In Niger State, Dr Abdullahi Jabi of the Campaign for Democracy and Good Governance said presidential candidates should make good governance, citizens’ welfare and security central to their campaigns.
He identified poverty reduction, unemployment, infrastructure, healthcare, education and insecurity as major issues that require urgent attention.
Jabi said government programmes should not stop at providing financial support to young people but should also ensure that beneficiaries acquire skills that can translate into sustainable employment.
Mubarak Mohammad of the Agglomeration of Civil Society Organisations in Niger State said Nigerians were becoming tired of campaign rallies that produced little improvement in their daily lives.
He urged candidates to explain how they would address insecurity, poverty, unemployment, infrastructure, education and the deterioration of healthcare facilities.
Fix roads, water, schools and healthcare
In Kogi State, residents demanded greater attention to security, potable water, sanitation, transportation, roads and healthcare.
Chairman of the Kogi NGOs Network, Hamza Aliyu, said political parties should focus on structural problems rather than rallies, slogans, personal attacks and distribution of handouts.
He identified insecurity, flooding, inadequate healthcare workers, poor water supply, mental health concerns, weak accountability and bad roads as key issues.
Residents also called for stronger community-based early-warning systems and improved security around schools.
Tell Nigerians how many jobs you will create
Youth unemployment emerged as a major concern in Gombe State, alongside poor access to quality education and water shortages.
Aliyu Sale Maisallaya, a graduate in Gombe metropolis, said many young Nigerians with university degrees remained unemployed or lacked sustainable businesses.
He urged political parties to provide specific job-creation targets rather than make broad promises of empowerment.
Political commentator Musab Sunusi similarly called on voters to demand measurable commitments and ask candidates to explain how their policies would be financed.
Security and affordable education remain priorities
In Ekiti State, voters called for stronger measures against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, while also demanding improvements in education and healthcare.
Civil servant Owolabi Ojo said insecurity must remain a major priority for any political party seeking the support of Nigerians.
Retired teacher Adeolu Ajayi also urged candidates to focus on security and economic recovery.
University graduate Olajide Akindele welcomed the student loan initiative but raised concerns about increasing tuition fees, particularly in state-owned tertiary institutions.
Nigerians want economic recovery
In Kwara State, Professor Hassan Saliu of the University of Ilorin described the economy as the country’s most pressing challenge.
He urged presidential candidates to explain how they would address the effects of the removal of the petrol subsidy and the resulting pressure on household incomes.
Saliu also said existing intervention programmes had not done enough to cushion the impact of poverty and urged candidates to provide concrete strategies for improving security and living standards.
Other stakeholders in the state similarly identified unemployment, poverty, education, healthcare, infrastructure, insecurity and economic recovery as major campaign issues.
Voters say promises are no longer enough
In Ondo State, residents said the difficult economic environment had affected businesses and household incomes.
Fashion designer Samuel Onigiobi said declining purchasing power had made it increasingly difficult for people to patronise tailoring businesses.
Another resident, Idowu Isaiah, an HND holder in Accounting, said he had resorted to bricklaying after failing to secure employment that matched his qualifications.
Political analyst Bolu-Olu Esho urged political parties to use the campaign period to present workable solutions to the country's economic, security and social challenges.
Stop political attacks and present workable solutions
In Imo State, political analyst Prince John Okoronta called on political parties to avoid campaigns of calumny and concentrate on sustainable solutions to insecurity and unemployment.
Dr Fidel Onyeneke also urged politicians to replace vague promises with realistic measures capable of reducing poverty and improving socio-economic conditions and infrastructure.
Nigerians want issue-based campaigns
Stakeholders in Enugu State demanded campaigns centred on policies rather than personal attacks.
Barrister John Nwobodo, a former chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in the state, said Nigerians wanted candidates to explain how they would tackle insecurity and other pressing challenges.
Other analysts similarly called on opposition candidates to present superior ideas rather than concentrate on attacking incumbents.
‘Stop sharing rice, create opportunities’
In Cross River State, voters said party colours and campaign slogans were becoming less important as economic hardship continued to affect households.
Chief Collins Ayok, chief executive officer of Andrewnicus, a civil society organisation, urged candidates to focus on poverty reduction and economic development.
He called for investment in feeder roads, irrigation, electricity for small businesses, tourism and local government financial autonomy.
Farmer and voter Agbor Ogar said Nigerians wanted sustainable opportunities rather than food items and other temporary handouts.
He also challenged presidential candidates to address poor healthcare delivery, citing concerns about inadequate facilities in some communities.
Residents further demanded improvements in schools, rural roads, electricity, healthcare and employment opportunities.
Flood control and emergency healthcare needed in Bayelsa
In Bayelsa State, voters identified unemployment, flooding, insecurity, healthcare, education and the rising cost of living as major campaign concerns.
Community leader Chief Preye Amabra urged political parties to explain how they would tackle flooding through improved drainage, flood control and shoreline protection.
Political scientist Tonye Ogoli said promises of job creation must include specific figures, sectors and timelines.
Residents also called for better security along waterways and improved emergency healthcare services in riverine communities.
Political analyst Dr Godspower Angaye urged candidates to participate in town hall meetings and public debates where voters could question them directly.
Nigerians demand debates on cost of living and security
In Kano State, stakeholders called for clear and measurable policies on insecurity, unemployment, poverty, education, healthcare and the rising cost of living.
Public servant Yakubu Dalhatu advocated compulsory debates for political aspirants, while other residents identified infrastructure, agriculture, industrial development, youth skills and economic recovery as priorities.
Voters want proven records of delivery
In Delta State, stakeholders called for leaders capable of addressing insecurity, poor roads, unemployment, unreliable electricity, inadequate healthcare and weaknesses in the education sector.
They also urged voters to examine candidates’ records of community service, youth development and support for small businesses.
Political analyst and activist Comrade Igbini Odafe said he would continue to scrutinise the manifestos of politicians seeking public office.
The message from voters
Across the states surveyed, Nigerians delivered a consistent message to the presidential contenders ahead of 2027.
They want fewer rallies and more debates, fewer handouts and more jobs, less rhetoric and more measurable solutions.
Voters are asking President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and other presidential hopefuls to explain not only what they intend to do, but how, when and with what resources they will deliver it.
For many Nigerians, campaign promises alone will no longer be enough. They want practical policies capable of improving security, reducing unemployment and poverty, strengthening public services and restoring confidence in the country's economy.
President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and other presidential hopefuls are being urged to explain how they intend to tackle insecurity, unemployment, poverty, economic hardship, education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity and corruption.
The demands emerged from interviews with voters, civil society activists, professionals and political analysts across Niger, Kogi, Gombe, Ekiti, Kwara, Ondo, Imo, Enugu, Cross River, Bayelsa, Kano and Delta states.
Across the country, the message was largely the same: Nigerians want measurable policies, realistic timelines and clear explanations of how proposed programmes will be funded and implemented.
Nigerians want jobs, not temporary empowerment
In Niger State, Dr Abdullahi Jabi of the Campaign for Democracy and Good Governance said presidential candidates should make good governance, citizens’ welfare and security central to their campaigns.
He identified poverty reduction, unemployment, infrastructure, healthcare, education and insecurity as major issues that require urgent attention.
Jabi said government programmes should not stop at providing financial support to young people but should also ensure that beneficiaries acquire skills that can translate into sustainable employment.
Mubarak Mohammad of the Agglomeration of Civil Society Organisations in Niger State said Nigerians were becoming tired of campaign rallies that produced little improvement in their daily lives.
He urged candidates to explain how they would address insecurity, poverty, unemployment, infrastructure, education and the deterioration of healthcare facilities.
Fix roads, water, schools and healthcare
In Kogi State, residents demanded greater attention to security, potable water, sanitation, transportation, roads and healthcare.
Chairman of the Kogi NGOs Network, Hamza Aliyu, said political parties should focus on structural problems rather than rallies, slogans, personal attacks and distribution of handouts.
He identified insecurity, flooding, inadequate healthcare workers, poor water supply, mental health concerns, weak accountability and bad roads as key issues.
Residents also called for stronger community-based early-warning systems and improved security around schools.
Tell Nigerians how many jobs you will create
Youth unemployment emerged as a major concern in Gombe State, alongside poor access to quality education and water shortages.
Aliyu Sale Maisallaya, a graduate in Gombe metropolis, said many young Nigerians with university degrees remained unemployed or lacked sustainable businesses.
He urged political parties to provide specific job-creation targets rather than make broad promises of empowerment.
Political commentator Musab Sunusi similarly called on voters to demand measurable commitments and ask candidates to explain how their policies would be financed.
Security and affordable education remain priorities
In Ekiti State, voters called for stronger measures against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, while also demanding improvements in education and healthcare.
Civil servant Owolabi Ojo said insecurity must remain a major priority for any political party seeking the support of Nigerians.
Retired teacher Adeolu Ajayi also urged candidates to focus on security and economic recovery.
University graduate Olajide Akindele welcomed the student loan initiative but raised concerns about increasing tuition fees, particularly in state-owned tertiary institutions.
Nigerians want economic recovery
In Kwara State, Professor Hassan Saliu of the University of Ilorin described the economy as the country’s most pressing challenge.
He urged presidential candidates to explain how they would address the effects of the removal of the petrol subsidy and the resulting pressure on household incomes.
Saliu also said existing intervention programmes had not done enough to cushion the impact of poverty and urged candidates to provide concrete strategies for improving security and living standards.
Other stakeholders in the state similarly identified unemployment, poverty, education, healthcare, infrastructure, insecurity and economic recovery as major campaign issues.
Voters say promises are no longer enough
In Ondo State, residents said the difficult economic environment had affected businesses and household incomes.
Fashion designer Samuel Onigiobi said declining purchasing power had made it increasingly difficult for people to patronise tailoring businesses.
Another resident, Idowu Isaiah, an HND holder in Accounting, said he had resorted to bricklaying after failing to secure employment that matched his qualifications.
Political analyst Bolu-Olu Esho urged political parties to use the campaign period to present workable solutions to the country's economic, security and social challenges.
Stop political attacks and present workable solutions
In Imo State, political analyst Prince John Okoronta called on political parties to avoid campaigns of calumny and concentrate on sustainable solutions to insecurity and unemployment.
Dr Fidel Onyeneke also urged politicians to replace vague promises with realistic measures capable of reducing poverty and improving socio-economic conditions and infrastructure.
Nigerians want issue-based campaigns
Stakeholders in Enugu State demanded campaigns centred on policies rather than personal attacks.
Barrister John Nwobodo, a former chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in the state, said Nigerians wanted candidates to explain how they would tackle insecurity and other pressing challenges.
Other analysts similarly called on opposition candidates to present superior ideas rather than concentrate on attacking incumbents.
‘Stop sharing rice, create opportunities’
In Cross River State, voters said party colours and campaign slogans were becoming less important as economic hardship continued to affect households.
Chief Collins Ayok, chief executive officer of Andrewnicus, a civil society organisation, urged candidates to focus on poverty reduction and economic development.
He called for investment in feeder roads, irrigation, electricity for small businesses, tourism and local government financial autonomy.
Farmer and voter Agbor Ogar said Nigerians wanted sustainable opportunities rather than food items and other temporary handouts.
He also challenged presidential candidates to address poor healthcare delivery, citing concerns about inadequate facilities in some communities.
Residents further demanded improvements in schools, rural roads, electricity, healthcare and employment opportunities.
Flood control and emergency healthcare needed in Bayelsa
In Bayelsa State, voters identified unemployment, flooding, insecurity, healthcare, education and the rising cost of living as major campaign concerns.
Community leader Chief Preye Amabra urged political parties to explain how they would tackle flooding through improved drainage, flood control and shoreline protection.
Political scientist Tonye Ogoli said promises of job creation must include specific figures, sectors and timelines.
Residents also called for better security along waterways and improved emergency healthcare services in riverine communities.
Political analyst Dr Godspower Angaye urged candidates to participate in town hall meetings and public debates where voters could question them directly.
Nigerians demand debates on cost of living and security
In Kano State, stakeholders called for clear and measurable policies on insecurity, unemployment, poverty, education, healthcare and the rising cost of living.
Public servant Yakubu Dalhatu advocated compulsory debates for political aspirants, while other residents identified infrastructure, agriculture, industrial development, youth skills and economic recovery as priorities.
Voters want proven records of delivery
In Delta State, stakeholders called for leaders capable of addressing insecurity, poor roads, unemployment, unreliable electricity, inadequate healthcare and weaknesses in the education sector.
They also urged voters to examine candidates’ records of community service, youth development and support for small businesses.
Political analyst and activist Comrade Igbini Odafe said he would continue to scrutinise the manifestos of politicians seeking public office.
The message from voters
Across the states surveyed, Nigerians delivered a consistent message to the presidential contenders ahead of 2027.
They want fewer rallies and more debates, fewer handouts and more jobs, less rhetoric and more measurable solutions.
Voters are asking President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and other presidential hopefuls to explain not only what they intend to do, but how, when and with what resources they will deliver it.
For many Nigerians, campaign promises alone will no longer be enough. They want practical policies capable of improving security, reducing unemployment and poverty, strengthening public services and restoring confidence in the country's economy.
