Speaking at the APC’s presidential campaign flag-off rally in Kaduna, the President accused political opponents of creating the economic challenges Nigerians face and urged voters to renew his mandate in 2027.

President Bola Tinubu has blamed his political opponents for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians, insisting that his administration is working to tackle the country’s economic challenges.

The President made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, 2026, during the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign flag-off rally at Ranchers Bees Stadium, also known as Kaduna Township Stadium, as the ruling party began mobilising support for his re-election bid in 2027.

Addressing party supporters and political leaders at the rally, Tinubu pushed back against criticism of his administration over the rising cost of living and the economic difficulties faced by millions of Nigerians.

According to the President, opposition politicians who now criticise the government over hunger and poverty were responsible for creating the problems.

“I have an argument. I hear my opponent 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.

His comments come amid persistent public concerns over the cost of food, household expenses and the wider economic pressures affecting Nigerian families.

Tinubu Defends His Administration

The President also defended his government’s performance, highlighting the regular payment of salaries and praising APC governors for what he described as their developmental efforts across their respective states.

“We pay salaries regularly. Our governors are working. I am proud of them. They are developing,” he said.

Tinubu commended the people of Kaduna State for supporting him during the 2023 presidential election, recalling their contribution to his victory.

“You gave me joy to remember the victory you gave me to become president. I come again to thank you,” he told the crowd.

President Seeks Fresh Mandate in 2027

The President subsequently appealed to Nigerians to give him another four-year term, presenting his re-election bid as an opportunity to sustain his administration’s agenda of prosperity, continuity, progress and development.

His appeal signals the APC’s determination to rally its political base as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

Tinubu also addressed Nigerian children at the gathering, speaking about his administration’s commitment to the country’s future, although the available account of his remarks did not include the complete statement.

APC Begins Campaign Mobilisation in Kaduna

The rally marked the formal flag-off of the APC’s presidential campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with party leaders and supporters gathering in Kaduna to demonstrate support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

The President’s remarks on hunger and poverty are likely to keep the country’s economic conditions at the centre of political debate as the ruling party prepares to defend its record and opposition parties seek to challenge its performance.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the management of the economy, the cost of living and the government’s ability to improve Nigerians’ living conditions are expected to remain major issues in the campaign.