Analysis-As Campaigns Begin in Nigeria, Tinubu’s Re-Election Bid Puts His Party on Trial

ABUJA, Aug 19 (Reuters) – As campaigning for January’s elections begins in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term is putting his All Progressives Congress (APC) party on trial, with voters weighing his aggressive economic reforms against the severe hardship they have caused.

Tinubu has defended the measures as necessary to unwind years of state intervention. His government cites higher revenues and stronger investor interest as evidence that the reforms are working, but for many Nigerians, the reality is different.

The APC’s tenure from 2015 to 2026 makes for unhappy reading and Tinubu’s reforms have particularly brought severe pain.

Cheta Nwanze, a partner at Nigeria-based risk advisory SBM Intelligence, noted that the public sentiment remains largely unconvinced by the administration’s narrative. While the government points to macroeconomic indicators, critics argue that violence, kidnappings, and banditry remain rife, and the cost of living has become unbearable for the average citizen.

As the campaign season kicks off, the APC faces the challenge of convincing a weary electorate that its policies will eventually lead to prosperity, while opposition parties are positioning themselves to capitalize on the widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation.