President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s economic reforms, insisting that his government is working to eradicate hunger and poverty as he formally launched his campaign for re-election in 2027.
Mr Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday at the flag-off of his presidential campaign at Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna, where he urged Nigerians to renew his mandate, citing infrastructure investments and ongoing efforts to address the country’s economic challenges.
“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created the hunger; they created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” the president said.
The president’s remarks, contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, came as economic reforms, the cost of living and the impact of government policies on households remain central issues in the political debate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu defended his administration’s approach by pointing to efforts to tackle poverty and investments in critical infrastructure across Kaduna State and other parts of the North.
However, he did not provide specific figures at the rally to show the extent to which his policies had reduced hunger or poverty.
The president blamed opposition leaders for the country’s economic difficulties, arguing that they were responsible for problems they now use to criticise his administration.
He also appeared to reference policies implemented under previous administrations, including the privatisation of state-owned enterprises between 1999 and 2007, when former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar served in office.
Thousands of workers affected by some privatisation exercises were reportedly left without their gratuities and pensions. The Tinubu administration has been paying outstanding entitlements to some of the affected workers.
Tinubu urged Kaduna residents, who supported him in the 2023 presidential election, to renew their support in 2027, presenting his administration’s infrastructure programme as part of its development agenda.
Infrastructure takes centre stage
The campaign flag-off coincided with the symbolic inauguration of an 81-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway, highlighting infrastructure delivery as one of the administration’s priorities.
Minister of Works Dave Umahi participated in the virtual commissioning of Lot 1 of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway.
Umahi used the occasion to highlight ongoing infrastructure projects across the North-West and other parts of the country.
Tinubu said his administration was investing in critical economic infrastructure to support development in Kaduna and the wider Northern region.
He also recalled Kaduna’s historical significance as a political and administrative centre, describing the state as a city with a longstanding tradition of leadership.
Shettima seeks continuity
Vice-President Kashim Shettima urged Nigerians to support Tinubu for another term, arguing that continuity was necessary to sustain the administration’s economic and development agenda.
Shettima recalled Tinubu’s political support for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who won the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, as well as his relationships with other Northern political leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate Nuhu Ribadu.
He described the relationships as evidence of political loyalty and national unity.
“We won the last election because you saw the best option before you,” Shettima said.
The vice-president also commended Kaduna residents for supporting the APC, saying their political choices had helped unify the state.
APC defends reforms
Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, defended the administration’s economic reforms, citing developments in the foreign exchange market.
He urged Nigerians to assess the government based on its policies and performance, while expressing confidence in the APC’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, in his welcome address, commended Tinubu for supporting state governments in implementing development programmes, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture and citizens’ welfare.
Sani also acknowledged the contributions of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to programmes targeting women, children and families.
He warned APC supporters against misinformation during the electioneering period, particularly misleading social media materials and content allegedly generated using artificial intelligence.
The rally attracted APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Shettima, the First Lady, Nana Shettima, 32 APC governors, former party national chairmen Abdullahi Adamu and Abdullahi Ganduje, and other party leaders.
As the APC begins its campaign for another mandate, the administration’s economic reforms, their effects on household welfare and the pace of infrastructure delivery are likely to remain important issues in the contest over Tinubu’s record in office.