2027: Tinubu Defends Economic Record, Blames Opposition for Hunger
President Bola Tinubu has blamed opposition politicians for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians, insisting that his administration is working to eradicate the challenges as he formally opened his re-election campaign in Kaduna State.
Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off rally held at Ranchers Bees Stadium, also known as Kaduna Township Stadium, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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,” the President said.
He 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,” Tinubu said.
The President appealed to Nigerians to give him another mandate, promising continuity, progress, development and prosperity if re-elected for a second term.
He also thanked Kaduna residents for supporting him during the 2023 presidential election, saying their votes contributed to his emergence as President.
The rally marked the formal launch of the APC’s campaign for Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the 2027 presidential poll.
Atiku challenges Tinubu’s position
Tinubu’s remarks drew a response from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, who accused the President of shifting responsibility for the country’s economic difficulties to the opposition.
In a statement issued through his campaign’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the President’s position as an attempt to evade responsibility for his administration’s record.
Atiku argued that the APC had governed Nigeria for eight years before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, adding that the government should answer questions about the hardship experienced by Nigerians.
He also raised questions about public expenditure and the government’s handling of insecurity, while arguing that voters would assess the administration based on their living conditions.
The exchange places the economy and the cost of living among the issues likely to feature prominently in the campaign ahead of the 2027 election.
Economic hardship remains a campaign issue
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has implemented major economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.
The reforms have been credited with improving some government finances and investor indicators, but they have also contributed to higher living costs and placed pressure on households and businesses.
A Reuters report published on October 24 highlighted the economic difficulties facing the administration as Tinubu began his re-election campaign, alongside continuing security concerns.
The President has maintained that his administration’s policies will deliver economic recovery, growth and greater opportunities for Nigerians.
However, the competing positions of the President and opposition figures leave the country’s economic record, the effects of government policies and the responsibility of successive administrations open to political debate ahead of the next election.
