The All Progressives Congress (APC) has detailed its security strategy for the 2027-2031 period, proposing the recruitment of more than 108,000 personnel. According to Premium Times, this expansion includes 50,000 police officers, 28,000 military personnel, and 30,150 members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The party’s manifesto notes that these figures build on previous approvals, including the expansion of the Nigerian Army to 12 divisions. The new divisions are planned for headquarters in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City. The APC aims to complete the equipping of these units and report on their deployment if President Bola Tinubu secures a second term.
At the manifesto launch, Information Minister Mohammed Idris stated that the administration’s economic reforms would be difficult to reverse by 2031. Punch reported that Idris urged journalists to balance criticism with positive coverage of government achievements. He cited the Abuja-Kaduna highway and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund as evidence of the reforms' broader impact. Other officials present included Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu. The government argues that macroeconomic stability has been achieved, though work remains at the household level.
Former Abia Governor Orji Uzor Kalu reinforced the ruling party’s position on Monday. Speaking on Arise PrimeTime, Kalu predicted a landslide victory for Tinubu in 2027. He argued that the economy has stabilized at the macro level, but the administration must now focus on the micro level. This includes restoring agricultural production and improving security to support manufacturing. Kalu also advised APC leaders to prioritize grassroots mobilization in their home states rather than following the president to rallies across the country. This aligns with a recent directive from the APC Presidential Campaign Council to streamline campaign activities.
In contrast, Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate Peter Obi unveiled his agenda in Jos, Plateau State. Punch reported that Obi prioritized national unity as his first commitment, describing the country as divided along tribal and religious lines. He identified security as the second pillar of his platform, pledging to reduce the number of internally displaced persons. Obi stated that if any Nigerian remains in an IDP camp, the entire nation has failed. His town hall meeting emphasized listening to citizens and responding to their needs to restore hope ahead of the 2027 elections.