On 26 October 2026, the [All Progressives Congress (APC)](https://www.apc.org.ng) officially kicked off its campaign for the 2027 presidential election in the northern city of [Kaduna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaduna). The rally saw [President Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu) defending his administration’s achievements while seeking a second four‑year term.
**Key points**
- The APC’s launch event was held in Kaduna, a strategic political hub in northern Nigeria.
- Tinubu attributed current hunger and poverty to policies of former governments, asserting that his current reforms aim to reverse those trends.
- The government highlighted initiatives such as subsidy adjustments, agricultural incentives, and infrastructure projects intended to lower the cost of living.
- Critics and ordinary citizens, however, report that prices for food, transport and other essentials remain unaffordable for many households.
- No concrete figures on the impact of the reforms were provided during the speech.
What reforms is the administration promoting?
The president outlined a package that includes:
- **Agricultural revitalisation** – expanding credit facilities for farmers and improving supply chains.
- **Subsidy realignment** – targeting fuel and electricity subsidies to reduce fiscal strain while encouraging private sector participation.
- **Infrastructure development** – accelerating road and rail projects to cut logistics costs.
How are Nigerians responding?
While the APC portrays the measures as a pathway to economic relief, street- level observations indicate persistent inflationary pressures. Market surveys in Lagos and Abuja continue to show food price increases of over 15 % year‑on‑year, and public transport fares have risen similarly.
What does this mean for the 2027 race?
The rally underscores Tinubu’s reliance on economic performance to secure a second term. Opposition parties are expected to challenge the narrative by highlighting the gap between policy promises and everyday realities. The upcoming months will likely see intensified debates over the effectiveness of the announced reforms.
**Background**
Tinubu assumed office in May 2023 after a closely contested election. His tenure has been marked by attempts to stabilise the naira, renegotiate oil contracts, and attract foreign investment. Yet, the country’s inflation rate has hovered around 30 % for much of his term, fueling public discontent.
The APC’s Kaduna event serves as a litmus test for the administration’s ability to convert policy rhetoric into tangible relief for the populace ahead of the 2027 electoral calendar.