President Bola Tinubu officially launched his campaign for re-election in Nigeria on Wednesday, promising improvements amid ongoing economic challenges that have affected millions across the country. Speaking at a rally in Kaduna, northwestern Nigeria, Tinubu emphasized themes of growth, recovery, and opportunity as he sought to reassure voters ahead of polls scheduled later this year.

Since taking office in 2023, Tinubu has implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s finances and attracting investment. These measures include overhauling the tax system, liberalizing the exchange rate, and ending a long-standing fuel subsidy, which had heavily strained government resources despite the country’s position as a major crude oil producer. However, these steps have also coincided with a sharp rise in inflation, pushing the cost of fuel and other essentials beyond what many Nigerians can afford.

While some investors have welcomed the reforms, the impact on ordinary citizens has been severe. The International Monetary Fund estimates that about 63% of Nigerians currently live below the poverty line, a situation Tinubu attributes to structural weaknesses that predated his administration but that his policies are addressing. Earlier this month, the government hinted at introducing fuel price caps in response to escalating costs, which have surged more than 450% since Tinubu took office. The global rise in oil prices, exacerbated by the conflict in Iran, has intensified the country’s economic pressures.

At the Kaduna rally, Tinubu reaffirmed that the elimination of the fuel subsidy marks a turning point, promising a “better tomorrow” if he is granted another term. The event attracted thousands of supporters clad in party colors, with traditional music and festive celebrations filling the stadium and streets. Despite the lively atmosphere, the president’s address was brief, lasting less than 15 minutes.

Politically, Tinubu enters the race with a robust advantage. His All Progressives Congress (APC) controls 31 out of Nigeria’s 36 governorships, giving him a broad political network throughout the country. However, his path to victory is not guaranteed. The opposition remains divided, though the main challengers echo the issues from the 2023 election. Peter Obi, who finished second in the last vote, continues to highlight Nigeria’s escalating insecurity caused by armed groups—a critical concern for many voters. Atiku Abubakar, the runner-up in 2023, is also running again.

As Nigeria approaches its next presidential election, economic hardship, insecurity, and political fragmentation are set to define a highly contested campaign season.