France, Aug. 19 -- Africa's most populous country is straining from years of economic turmoil and violence from armed groups - though a divided opposition works in favour of Tinubu, seeking a second term.

"The economy is the biggest issue. That's the one thing that cuts across different parts of the country and it continues to affect security and development concerns," said Afolabi Adekaiyaoja, author of Nigeria politics newsletter The Bellwether.

Elected in 2023, Tinubu has used his first term to push through ambitious economic reforms, including ending a costly fuel subsidy that for years had indirectly suppressed prices throughout the economy.

Though praised by economists and investors, the reforms have sparked a cost-of-living cris...