As election season oficially begins…

By Precious Mark

Political parties and presidential candidates across Nigeria have officially rolled out their campaign machinery following the commencement of the official election campaign season on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The opening of the campaign window allows political parties to hold public rallies, launch manifestos, and drive voter outreach across the country.

In Bayelsa State, grassroots mobilization hit top gear on Wednesday as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu door-to-door movement organized by prominent Niger Delta leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo) staged a major solidarity walk to flag off campaign activities in the region.

Simultaneously, other political parties are positioning their candidates for the contest. The Allied People’s Movement (APM) announced its strategy to execute an inclusive, people-driven campaign, expressing confidence in its platform and the governance credentials of its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

On his part, the presidential flagbearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, emphasized that signing the peace accord reinforces his commitment to decorum, urging political leaders to eschew violent rhetoric and restrain their supporters.

He maintained that the upcoming elections must focus entirely on critical issues affecting citizens, including national unity, tackling insecurity, addressing poverty, reducing the number of out-of-school children, and restoring hope to the country.

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, also declared the start of campaigns, calling for equal rights and justice for all Nigerians.

Sowore said the 2027 election presents an opportunity to end decades of pain, corruption, oppression, and failed leadership, and urged voters to support a new direction that puts the people first.

The start of nationwide campaigning comes a day after key political figures gathered in Abuja for a peace accord signing ceremony. President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, joined political actors to execute the agreement.

However, political friction is already manifesting at the grassroots level. On Wednesday, a video circulated online showing youths in Kano State burning red caps associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement. The clip has sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms, with supporters and critics debating its implications for political realignments ahead of 2027.

With the campaign window now open, political activities are expected to intensify across all six geopolitical zones. Security agencies and election monitoring groups are expected to track developments closely to maintain peace and enforce compliance with regulatory guidelines.