The Clock Is Ticking on Security, the Economy and Public TrustAs Nigeria approaches the January 16 elections, the administration of President Bola AhmedTinubu faces a critical test.For the government, the election is not simply another political contest. It will also be areferendum of sorts on public confidence, governance and the direction of the country.With millions of Nigerians preparing to vote, four issues are likely to dominate the nationalconversation: security, electoral credibility, economic hardship and trust in governmentinstitutions.

INEC and the Battle for Electoral TrustIf security protects the election environment,

the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, protects the credibility of the electoral process.Nigeria’s recent electoral history has shown that technological improvements alone cannot guarantee public confidence.

Voters also need to believe that electoral institutions are independent, transparent and capable of managing the process fairly.Concerns surrounding voter registration, election technology, result transmission and the conduct of electoral officials have contributed to public skepticism.

The administration should therefore support an electoral system in which INEC can operate with genuine institutional and financial independence, free from political interference.

Technology must also be accompanied by transparency and effective communication. When problems occur, voters deserve clear explanations. When results are announced, citizens must have confidence in the process through which those results were produced.In a democracy, it is not enough for votes to be counted; citizens must trust that they were counted fairly.

The Economy: The Election Will Also Be About the Cost of Living

For many Nigerians, politics is ultimately measured at the market.Inflation, food prices, transport costs, electricity expenses and declining purchasing power have placed significant pressure on households.

For families struggling to meet basic needs, macroeconomic indicators can feel distant when everyday expenses continue to rise.

This means the economy will inevitably influence how many Nigerians approach the election.

The government must therefore intensify efforts to reduce food insecurity, expand targeted social protection and create conditions for productive employment.

Economic reform is necessary, but citizens also want to see how those reforms improve their lives.

A stronger economy should mean more than improved government revenue or better fiscal indicators. It should eventually translate into more affordable food, greater employment opportunities, stronger purchasing power and improved living standards.

Rebuilding Public Trust

Perhaps the most difficult challenge is rebuilding confidence between citizens and government.Public trust is not created through political speeches alone.

It is built through consistent performance, transparency and responsiveness.The administration must continue engaging civil society organisations, professional groups, community leaders, young people and other stakeholders.

Citizens want to know that their concerns are being heard and that government decisions are producing tangible results.Healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment and social welfare remain central to this conversation.

At the same time, political actors across the country must take responsibility for protecting the democratic environment.Hate speech, voter intimidation, misinformation and political violence have no place in a credible electoral process.

The election must be a competition over ideas, policies and leadership—not a contest in which violence determines who participates and who stays away.

What Happens After the Ballot?

The responsibility for a peaceful and credible election does not belong to government alone.Political parties, candidates, security agencies, INEC, the media, civil society and voters all have roles to play.Candidates must commit themselves to peaceful campaigns. Political parties must respect electoral rules. Security agencies must remain professional and impartial.

The media must provide responsible and accurate information. And voters must reject political violence and manipulation.

Most importantly, all political actors must be prepared to accept legitimate electoral outcomes and pursue disputes through lawful channels.

The Final Test

As January 16 approaches, President Tinubu’s administration is entering a critical phase.The government’s record on security, economic management, institutional reform and democratic governance will shape how Nigerians assess the direction of the country.

There is still an opportunity to strengthen public confidence.

That opportunity requires more than promises. It requires visible action, credible institutions and measurable results

Nigeria’s democracy will ultimately be judged not only by who wins the election, but by whether citizens can vote freely, safely and confidently—and whether the government that emerges continues to deliver on the fundamental responsibilities of the state.

The clock is ticking.

For President Tinubu, the period before January 16 is not merely a countdown to an election. It is a test of leadership, credibility and the government’s ability to turn its promises into results.