You created hunger and poverty you’re campaigning against - Tinubu accuses opposition

President Bola Tinubu has accused opposition politicians of using hunger and poverty as campaign tools ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that they contributed to the economic problems his administration is trying to resolve.

He spoke on Saturday, October 24, in Kaduna at the launch of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign, where he sought support for a second term. “I hear my opponents talking about hunger, poverty. Who created it? They did. They created the hunger. They created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” Tinubu said. The President defended his economic reforms, saying they were intended to address inherited difficulties and create conditions for sustainable growth.

He argued that the APC offered Nigerians opportunities for recovery and prosperity, while describing opposition criticism as politically motivated. “Our opponents are angry because they are failures. They have nothing to offer you, but we have prosperity, consistency, growth, recovery and opportunity,” he said.

Tinubu thanked Kaduna residents for supporting him in the 2023 election and said another mandate would allow his administration to consolidate its reforms and development programmes. He promised greater opportunities for young Nigerians and urged voters to assess his administration’s achievements alongside its plans.

The President also reaffirmed his opposition to restoring petrol subsidy, linking the former system to corruption, falsified invoices and smuggling. “Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption. No more falsification of invoices, no more lies, no more smuggling,” he said.

Tinubu maintained that the sacrifices associated with the reforms would eventually deliver a stronger economy and improved living conditions. He praised APC governors for their development projects and regular payment of workers’ salaries, describing their performance as evidence of the party’s commitment to public welfare. The President encouraged eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and support APC candidates in the presidential, governorship and legislative elections.

He also urged supporters to scrutinise political messages and resist misinformation during the campaign. Earlier, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda presented party flags to governors and governorship candidates from the North-West. Yilwatda said the party’s leadership and structures across the region were mobilising for victory in the 2027 elections.

The rally was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Vice President’s wife Nana Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. APC governors, National Assembly members, party leaders and supporters also attended.