President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has blamed opposition politicians for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians, promising that his second term in office will usher in prosperity, economic recovery and greater opportunities for citizens.
The President made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, 2026, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna State, where he formally sought the support of Nigerians for his re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing party supporters and political stakeholders at the rally, Tinubu defended his administration’s handling of the economy and challenged opposition figures who have repeatedly criticised the rising cost of living and the economic difficulties facing households across the country.
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“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did! We are trying to eradicate it,” the President declared.
He subsequently assured Nigerians, particularly young people, that a renewed mandate would enable his administration to consolidate its policies and deliver on its promise of improved living conditions.
“To you, the children of our country, it’s a promise of a second term – prosperity; you will not regret it,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu Seeks Renewed Mandate
The President expressed appreciation to the people of Kaduna for their support during the 2023 presidential election, acknowledging their contribution to his emergence as Nigeria’s leader.
He said his return to the state was an opportunity to thank his supporters and seek their backing for another four-year term.
Tinubu said his second-term ambition was anchored on continuity, progress, development and prosperity, insisting that his administration remained committed to improving the country’s economic outlook.
The President also urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the forthcoming elections.
He called on APC supporters to vote for the party’s candidates across the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly contests, stressing the importance of maintaining the party’s presence at different levels of government.
President Defends Economic Policies
Tinubu used the Kaduna campaign flag-off to defend his administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, which has remained a major subject of debate in Nigeria’s political and economic discourse.
The policy, introduced in May 2023, has contributed to significant changes in petrol prices and household expenditure, while the administration has argued that it was necessary to reduce government expenditure and address longstanding distortions in the petroleum sector.
The President maintained that the country must move beyond what he described as the excesses and irregularities associated with the previous subsidy regime.
“What is past is past. Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more lies and no more smuggling of fuel,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to be cautious about the promises of opposition politicians, arguing that his administration offered a path towards economic recovery and expanded opportunities.
Tinubu also highlighted regular salary payments and the performance of APC-controlled state governments as evidence of what he described as progress under the ruling party.
“We pay salaries regularly. Our governors are working, and I am proud of them. They are developing their states,” he added.
Prosperity, Growth and Recovery: Tinubu’s Campaign Message
The President’s central message at the Kaduna rally was that a second term would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing reforms and translate them into improved economic conditions for Nigerians.
He promised what he described as prosperity, consistency, growth, recovery and opportunity, presenting continuity in government as essential to achieving those objectives.
Tinubu further dismissed his opponents’ criticisms, accusing them of focusing on attacks rather than offering what he considered credible alternatives to his administration’s policies.
However, the President’s promises come amid persistent public concerns over food affordability, transportation costs, purchasing power and the broader cost-of-living crisis.
For many Nigerians, the central issue ahead of the 2027 elections will be whether the administration’s economic reforms can produce measurable improvements in household incomes, employment opportunities and access to essential goods and services.
Opposition Criticism and the 2027 Electoral Battle
Tinubu’s remarks have placed the question of responsibility for Nigeria’s economic difficulties at the centre of the emerging 2027 presidential campaign.
While the President attributed hunger and poverty to previous administrations and political opponents, opposition figures have criticised his government’s management of the economy and argued that the hardship experienced by citizens should be a major factor in assessing his performance.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, rejected Tinubu’s attempt to blame the opposition for the hardship facing Nigerians, describing the remarks as an effort to avoid responsibility for the consequences of the current administration’s policies.
The disagreement reflects the broader political contest expected to shape the 2027 elections, with the ruling APC defending its record and opposition parties seeking to persuade voters that a change of government would deliver better economic outcomes.
The competing positions are likely to make economic management, food prices, fuel costs, employment and poverty reduction central issues in the campaign.
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APC Leaders Rally Support for Tinubu
The Kaduna flag-off attracted several prominent APC figures, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, campaign Director-General Senator Abdulaziz Yari, governors and other party leaders.
Shettima defended Tinubu’s political record in northern Nigeria, citing instances in which the President supported northern political figures during previous election cycles.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also urged APC supporters to remain vigilant against opposition campaign messages, including content circulated through social media and artificial intelligence tools.
The rally formed part of the ruling party’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, as Tinubu seeks a second term in office.
What Nigerians Will Expect Before 2027
Although Tinubu has promised prosperity and economic recovery under a second-term administration, the effectiveness of those assurances will ultimately be judged by the experiences of ordinary Nigerians.
Citizens are likely to assess the government’s performance through changes in food prices, the cost of transportation, access to jobs, business conditions, household purchasing power and the availability of essential public services.
The opposition, meanwhile, is expected to continue challenging the administration’s economic record and presenting alternative policy proposals.
As the 2027 election approaches, the debate over who bears responsibility for Nigeria’s hunger and poverty is likely to intensify.
For Tinubu, the challenge will be to convince voters that the reforms introduced under his administration will deliver the promised prosperity. For his opponents, the task will be to demonstrate that they can provide a credible alternative.
The ultimate decision will rest with Nigerian voters when they head to the polls.