President Bola Tinubu has accused opposition parties of being responsible for hunger and poverty in Nigeria, insisting that his administration is working to address the economic challenges facing citizens.
The President made the remarks on Saturday 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.
“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.
The President’s remarks came amid opposition criticism of his administration’s economic policies and their impact on the cost of living.
Defending his government’s record, Tinubu said salaries were being paid regularly and commended APC governors for what he described as their developmental efforts.
“We pay salaries regularly. Our governors are working. I am proud of them. They are developing,” he said.
Tinubu also thanked the people of Kaduna State for supporting him during the 2023 presidential election, saying their votes contributed to his emergence as President.
“You gave me joy to remember the victory you gave me to become president. I come again to thank you,” he told the crowd.
The President appealed to voters to renew his mandate, promising to sustain his administration’s agenda of prosperity, continuity, progress and development.
He also addressed Nigerian children at the rally, describing his commitment to the country’s future as a promise, although the available transcript did not include the completion of his statement.
The Kaduna rally marked the formal launch of the APC’s presidential campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party leaders and supporters gathered at the venue as the ruling party began its efforts to consolidate support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
The President’s comments on hunger and poverty are likely to intensify political debate over responsibility for Nigeria’s economic difficulties, with the ruling party defending its policies and opposition figures continuing to challenge the administration’s performance.
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