President Bola Tinubu has accused opposition parties of being responsible for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians, insisting that his administration is working to address the country’s economic challenges.
Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off rally in Kaduna State, where he appealed to Nigerians to support his bid for a second term in office in the 2027 general election.
The President’s comments came amid continuing public concerns over the cost of living, rising household expenses and the impact of his administration’s economic reforms.
Addressing supporters at the rally, Tinubu challenged opposition politicians who have criticised his government over hunger and poverty, accusing them of creating the problems they now blame his administration for.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu maintained that his administration was committed to improving the country’s economic conditions, promising Nigerians prosperity, economic recovery and greater opportunities.
He also accused his political opponents of offering Nigerians hatred rather than practical solutions to the country’s challenges.
“Our opponents are angry because they are playing you. They have nothing to offer you but hate. We have prosperity, consistency, growth, recovery, and opportunity. I assure you,” he said.
The President urged Nigerians not to be deceived by opposition campaign messages, calling on his supporters to remain vigilant against what he described as attempts to mislead the electorate.
“Be careful. Watch them. Don’t let them lie to you,” Tinubu told the crowd.
The Kaduna rally marked the formal commencement of the APC’s campaign to secure Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The President called on eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the electoral process, stressing the importance of supporting the ruling party at all levels of government.
“Do you have your PVC? Do you have your PVC? Show your hands,” he asked supporters at the gathering.
He urged voters to support APC candidates in presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state House of Assembly elections.
Tinubu also commended APC governors for their performance, particularly in the payment of workers’ salaries and the implementation of development programmes in their respective states.
He expressed confidence that his administration’s policies would deliver improved economic conditions and a better future for Nigerians.
The President’s decision to begin his re-election campaign in Kaduna also underscores the importance of northern Nigeria to the APC’s electoral calculations ahead of the 2027 general election.
The North-West, in particular, represents a significant voting bloc that could influence the outcome of the presidential contest.
Tinubu’s remarks come against the backdrop of persistent public debate over the impact of his administration’s economic policies, including petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
Although the government has defended the measures as necessary to stabilise the economy and promote long-term growth, many Nigerians continue to face financial pressure from food prices, transportation costs and other essential expenses.
Opposition politicians have repeatedly criticised the administration over the economic situation, arguing that its policies have worsened the living conditions of ordinary citizens.
The President, however, has maintained that his government is working to reverse the situation and create opportunities for economic growth.
His latest comments in Kaduna suggest that the economic debate will remain central to the political contest ahead of the 2027 elections.
