Tinubu Blames Opposition for Hunger, Poverty at APC Campaign Flag-Off in Kaduna

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has blamed opposition parties for hunger and poverty in Nigeria while defending his administration’s efforts to address the country’s economic challenges.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off rally at Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna State, as he sought public support for a second term ahead of the 2027 general election.

Addressing party supporters, the President challenged opposition politicians who have criticised his administration over the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu also defended his administration’s record on salary payments and commended APC governors for their performance in their respective states.

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

He thanked Kaduna residents for their support during the 2023 presidential election and appealed to voters to give him another mandate.

The President presented his second-term ambition as a continuation of his administration’s promises of prosperity, progress and development.

The rally marked the formal launch of the APC’s campaign for the 2027 presidential election, with the party seeking to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

His remarks placed responsibility for hunger and poverty at the centre of the political contest, with the President challenging opposition parties over their criticism of his administration.

However, his assertion that opposition parties created the problems remains a political claim rather than an independently established finding. The remarks did not, by themselves, establish the respective contributions of previous administrations and the current government to Nigeria’s economic difficulties.

The campaign will provide a platform for the APC to defend its record, while opposition parties will have opportunities to present their own assessments of the economy and proposals for addressing the challenges facing Nigerians.