President Bola Tinubu has blamed opposition politicians for Nigeria’s hunger and poverty, insisting that his administration is working to address the challenges as he formally launched his 2027 re-election campaign in Kaduna State.
Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday at Ranchers Bees Stadium during the All ProgressivesCongress (APC) campaign flag-off, where he appealed to voters to give him another term and promised prosperity, economic recovery and continued development.
“I hear my opponents talking about hunger. Who created it? They did. They created hunger and poverty. We are trying to eradicate them,” the President said, adding that his administration paid salaries regularly and praising governors for their performance.
The remarks placed the cost of living and economic hardship at the centre of the campaign, with the President defending his government’s record while seeking to attribute responsibility for the country’s difficulties to previous administrations and political opponents.
Vice President Kashim Shettima used the event to argue that Tinubu had consistently supported northern political interests. He cited instances of political backing the President had provided to prominent figures from the region.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also challenged opposition politicians presenting themselves as representatives of northern interests to demonstrate their records in public office. He argued that Tinubu had fulfilled important commitments to Kaduna, particularly regarding road reconstruction and security in Birnin Gwari.
The opposition rejected the President’s explanation for the country’s economic difficulties. Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar described Tinubu’s remarks as an attempt to avoid responsibility for the hardship experienced by Nigerians.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council also criticised the rally, alleging that the APC relied on rented crowds and recycled promises. Those claims were made by the opposition and were not independently established in the information provided.
The Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation similarly dismissed the event as political theatre, accusing the administration of failing the North on security, economic welfare and political inclusion.
The competing statements illustrate how economic hardship and the security situation are emerging as central issues ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Tinubu’s campaign is seeking to defend the administration’s policies and secure a second term, while opposition figures are challenging its handling of living costs and other national concerns. Voters will ultimately assess the competing claims against the parties’ records and proposed policies.
Deborah Adeyefa
