President Bola Tinubu has blamed opposition parties for Nigeria’s hunger and poverty. He made the claim while launching his campaign for re-election in 2027.
Tinubu spoke on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign flag-off at Kaduna Township Stadium. He defended his economic policies and promised Nigerians continued progress if they renew his mandate.
Responding to criticism over the rising cost of living, the President accused his political opponents of causing the hardship. He said his administration was working to reverse the situation.
“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did! They created hunger, they created poverty, we are trying to eradicate it,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu Defends Petrol Subsidy Removal
The President also defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, a major issue ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have called for the policy’s reversal if they win the presidency. Tinubu rejected that position and urged Nigerians to dismiss what he described as misleading claims.
He argued that the former subsidy system encouraged corruption, fake invoices and fuel smuggling.
“Fuel subsidy is in our past: no more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more lies, no more smuggling of fuel,” he said.
Tinubu also thanked Nigerians who supported him in the 2023 election. He urged them to back his second-term bid and promised they would not regret their decision.
He praised APC governors for their work across their states. He also pointed to regular salary payments as evidence of his administration’s efforts.
Shettima Appeals for Northern Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima used his address to appeal for support from northern voters. He highlighted Tinubu’s past backing for northern political leaders.
Shettima recalled Tinubu’s support for Atiku Abubakar in 2007, Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and former President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 and 2019 elections.
He also referenced Tinubu’s political relationship with Atiku when the former vice president left the Peoples Democratic Party to seek a presidential platform in 2007.
Uba Sani Raises Concerns Over AI Campaigns
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani urged APC members to remain alert during the campaign. He alleged that opposition parties were increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) in their political activities.
Sani called on party supporters to scrutinise political messages shared across digital platforms.
Several APC leaders attended the rally. They included campaign Director-General Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Works Minister Dave Umahi and First Lady Remi Tinubu.
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and governors from the North-West also attended. Large crowds gathered at the stadium, wearing party-branded clothing and waving APC flags.
Economic Hardship Remains a Key Election Issue
Tinubu’s remarks come amid continued debate over the cost of living and his administration’s economic policies. Petrol subsidy removal remains a major point of disagreement between the ruling party and its opponents.
As the 2027 election approaches, opposition figures continue to propose alternative economic measures. Tinubu, meanwhile, is defending his policies and asking voters to give his administration another term.
His claim that opposition parties created the country’s hunger and poverty remains an allegation made at the campaign rally.