# Nigeria's President Tinubu Launches Re-election Manifesto Amid Economic Hardship President Bola Tinubu seeks a second term by promising economic growth and security reforms. - **Source:** [BBC News – Africa](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/africa) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c421be1f-01bf-4bd7-8591-1cbfe4d81991 ## Manifesto for Second Term President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched his re-election manifesto, titled From Reform to Prosperity. The platform aims to achieve 6% annual economic growth by 2031 while addressing critical housing shortages. This strategic document builds upon the economic reforms initiated during his first term, which began following his 2023 election victory. ## Economic Reform Consequences Tinubu's initial reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and currency rate harmonisation, were designed to stabilize the economy. However, these measures caused living costs to skyrocket, leaving many families struggling to afford basic necessities. While international institutions like the IMF praised these actions, the domestic impact remains deeply painful for citizens. ## Opposition and Political Landscape The upcoming January 2027 general election features major challengers, including Peter Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. Opposition candidates are actively criticizing the current administration's economic record. Atiku has specifically pledged to restore fuel subsidies, though analysts warn that Nigeria's current fiscal reality makes such a reversal financially unsustainable for the government. ## Security and Agricultural Challenges Insecurity remains a primary concern, particularly in the north, where conflict between herders and farmers hinders agricultural production. Tinubu proposes recruiting 28,000 military personnel and 50,000 police officers to stabilize these regions. However, experts argue that recruitment alone cannot solve the complex threats posed by jihadists and organized kidnapping gangs across the country. ## Infrastructure and Power Crisis The manifesto promises to increase electricity generation capacity toward 10,000MW to support industrial growth. Nigeria currently struggles with ageing infrastructure and funding gaps, often generating less than half of its installed capacity. Critics note that the manifesto lacks clear details on how the necessary capital for these massive energy investments will be secured. ## Inflation and Cost Trends Headline inflation dropped to 14% in September 2026 from a 34% peak in 2024, signaling potential stabilization. Despite this, households have yet to feel significant relief as income is increasingly consumed by basic staples. The price of imported rice rose by 184% between May 2023 and October 2025, highlighting the persistent pressure on consumers. ## Housing and Social Interventions The administration has pledged to build 200,000 affordable homes to address a massive national deficit estimated at 14.9 million units. Additionally, a 125bn naira intervention package for small businesses was announced to provide grants and loans. These efforts represent the government's attempt to mitigate the negative social consequences of its broader economic restructuring. ## The Challenge of Trust As the election approaches, the central challenge for the APC is regaining public trust after years of economic instability. While the incumbent party holds a strategic advantage, the outcome remains uncertain due to voter dissatisfaction. Success will depend on whether the government can translate macroeconomic stability into tangible improvements for the average Nigerian household. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck5ynyw527wdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._