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Tinubu’s re-election plan pledges growth, security and cheaper housing
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched his re-election manifesto, seeking to regain voters’ trust after economic reforms in his first term contributed to a sharp rise in living costs. The plan promises economic growth, improved security and more affordable housing, as Nigeria approaches a January 2027 election.
The manifesto targets 6% annual growth by 2031, 78,000 additional security personnel and 200,000 homes. Inflation fell to 14% in September 2026 from 34% in 2024, and the cost of making jollof rice dropped 11.5% between June and September, but many households still struggle: imported rice prices rose 184% from May 2023 to October 2025. Opposition challenger Atiku Abubakar has pledged to restore fuel subsidies, though the government says their removal freed more than one trillion naira in its first two months.
In short
- Tinubu’s manifesto promises growth, security and affordable homes.
- Living costs remain a central concern for voters.
- Atiku says he would restore fuel subsidies.
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The case for
Supporters can argue that Tinubu’s reforms, despite imposing real short-term hardship, are beginning to ease inflation and have freed public funds for services and investment. The manifesto’s growth, security and housing targets offer a longer-term programme, while restoring fuel subsidies could divert scarce resources from those priorities.
The case against
Critics can argue that falling inflation does not undo the steep rise in living costs, and that many households remain under pressure after reforms removed fuel subsidies. They may see Atiku’s pledge to restore subsidies as a way to provide more immediate relief, and question whether Tinubu’s targets will translate into affordable food, safer communities and homes people can actually afford.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Can Nigeria’s president regain voters’ trust after painful first term?”.