From Premium Times Nigeria · Premium Times · · 1m 50s
Issues should dominate as campaigns kick-off
Presidential candidates face economic challenges as fuel subsidies and inflation dominate 2027 election debates.
In brief
Presidential candidates face economic challenges as fuel subsidies and inflation dominate 2027 election debates. Nigerian presidential candidates must address oil looting, inflation, and power shortages to win public trust in 2027 elections. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Campaigns kick off
Campaigns for the 2027 general elections have started with 18 political parties jostling for the presidency.
National issues dominate
Nigerians expect presidential candidates to address oil looting, inflation, and power shortages through governance frameworks.
Fuel subsidy debate
Atiku Abubakar promises to restore fuel subsidies if elected, a reversal from his 2023 position.
Tinubu's criticism
Tinubu calls Atiku's stance on fuel subsidies a 'demonstration of serious ignorance of the economy and governance'.
Subsidy impact
₦15 trillion saved from subsidy removal between June 2023 and December 2025 has not improved citizens' lives.
Economic hardship
![President Donald Trump in Congress [PHOTO CREDIT: The Strategist]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/10/54368057050_d918c14a1d_k.jpg?w=2048&ssl=1)
The spiralling inflation and deregulated forex market have made life unbearable for most Nigerians.
Government response
The government announced transport fare reductions, CNG buses, and a ₦1,350 per litre fuel price cap.
Price cap failure
All designated stations have sold petrol above the ₦1,350 price cap within three weeks.
Subsidy scam
A 2012 investigation uncovered ₦1.7 trillion stolen from the country through fuel subsidies.
Accountability gaps
![Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa [PHOTO CREDIT: Ministry of Defence Nigeria]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/09/743214705_1070455538993956_3457082602772022180_n-e1788630850871.jpg?w=1365&ssl=1)
The immediate GMD of NNPC has refused to explain ₦210 trillion expenditure from 2017 to 2023.
Power crisis
National electricity output vacillates between 3,000 and 5,000 megawatts with industries spending ₦1.34 trillion on alternatives.
Youth crisis
Kidnapping, banditry and insurgency have reached pandemic levels in Plateau, Benue and Zamfara states.
Refinery losses
The government plans to inject $1.8 billion into refinery maintenance after sinking $18 billion in two decades.
Election stakes
Presidential candidates must address oil looting, inflation, and power shortages to win public trust in 2027 elections.
The headline
Nigerian presidential candidates must address oil looting, inflation, and power shortages to win public trust in 2027 elections.
