Tinubu’s Campaign Promise of Reduced Cost of Living for Security Men, Reliable Electricity: Let’s Talk About It
By ABANIKANDA OLUMORO (UK)
Tinubu has made his promises again. The responsibility now is to explain how they will be delivered and allow Nigerians to assess the evidence. After all, a country cannot claim to be progressing while its security personnel struggle with living costs and its citizens remain uncertain about electricity supply.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again placed two important promises before Nigerians as he seeks another presidential mandate in 2027: reducing the cost of living and providing reliable electricity. He has also made commitments concerning improved welfare for security personnel. These are significant promises, but Nigerians deserve more than campaign declarations. They deserve answers, measurable results and a clear explanation of how these promises will become reality.
At the APC campaign rally in Dutse, Jigawa State, on November 10, 2026, Tinubu declared: “We will reduce the cost of living. We will provide reliable power, not the whole privatisation that is not working. We provide you with reliable power in this Nigeria.”
These are reassuring words. But let’s talk about them.
First, consider the cost of living. What does reducing the cost of living mean to a Nigerian soldier serving in a dangerous operational theatre, a police officer working long hours, an immigration officer protecting the nation’s borders or a member of the Civil Defence Corps?
These are men and women who are expected to protect the rest of society, sometimes at the expense of their own safety and family comfort.
If the cost of food, transportation, accommodation, healthcare and children’s education continues to place pressure on ordinary households, security personnel cannot be expected to remain outside that economic reality.
The APC’s proposed 2027–2031 manifesto promises implementation of approved salary increases for service personnel, improved operational allowances, affordable housing, healthcare and educational support for their families. It also promises to address the welfare of families of fallen security personnel.
These commitments are welcome. However, the question is whether the government can guarantee that the welfare improvements will translate into better living conditions for those who risk their lives to protect Nigeria.
A security officer’s welfare should not become an election-season talking point. It should be a continuing national responsibility.
Second, electricity. This is perhaps one of the most important promises Nigerians want to see fulfilled.
Tinubu made a similar commitment during the 2023 election campaign, when he promised improved electricity supply and an end to estimated billing. He also challenged Nigerians not to re-elect him if he failed to deliver, unless he provided adequate reasons for his inability.
Now, as another election approaches, the promise of reliable electricity has returned.
The question is simple: what has prevented Nigeria from achieving the dependable electricity supply repeatedly promised to its citizens?
Manufacturers are concerned about the cost of alternative energy. Small businesses struggle with generators and fuel expenses. Households face additional financial pressure trying to provide electricity for basic domestic needs.
Can Nigeria genuinely reduce the cost of living without addressing the cost of electricity? Can businesses become competitive when they must spend heavily to generate their own power?
These questions deserve practical answers.
The President’s latest promise also raises the need for a transparent assessment of the electricity privatisation arrangement and the responsibilities of generation, transmission and distribution companies.
Government must demonstrate what has changed between the last election campaign promises, what will now change with the new promises, how much investment is required and when Nigerians should expect measurable improvements.
The 2027 campaign should therefore be about accountability, not merely attractive promises. Nigerians should demand timelines, clear targets and independently verifiable performance indicators.
Tinubu has made his promises again. The responsibility now is to explain how they will be delivered and allow Nigerians to assess the evidence.
After all, a country cannot claim to be progressing while its security personnel struggle with living costs and its citizens remain uncertain about electricity supply.
Nigeria deserves reliable electricity, affordable living and security personnel whose sacrifices are matched by decent welfare. Let us talk about it, but more importantly, let us see it happen.
