President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has blamed opposition leaders for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians, insisting that his administration is working to address the challenges as he seeks re-election in 2027.
Tinubu stated this in a message following the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in Kaduna State, where he thanked supporters for what he described as an overwhelming show of support.
The President said his return to Kaduna, alongside Vice-President Kashim Shettima, reminded him of the city’s historical significance in Nigeria’s political development.
“My opponents talk about hunger and poverty. They created these problems. We are the ones working to eradicate them,” Tinubu said in the message.
He defended his administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, the fight against fraudulent invoicing and efforts to curb fuel smuggling.
According to him, the government had confronted inherited economic challenges with courage and political will, adding that its policies were aimed at building an economy that rewards hard work and creates opportunities for Nigerians.
Tinubu acknowledged the economic difficulties citizens have faced, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
“I know the road has been hard. I hear you. Your sacrifices will not be in vain, and I will not rest until the progress we are making is felt in your homes, your businesses and your pockets,” he said.
The President also commended APC governors for their contributions to development, citing projects in roads, hospitals, schools and markets across their respective states.
He attributed increased government revenues and the ability of state governments to fund development projects partly to the economic reforms introduced by his administration.
Tinubu further noted that salaries were being paid regularly in the states, expressing satisfaction with what he described as the progress being recorded by APC-led governments.
Calling on Nigerians to support his re-election bid, the President urged eligible voters to participate in the January 16, 2027, presidential election with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“Come out with your PVCs and give Vice President Kashim Shettima and me the mandate to finish what we started,” he said.
He added that the future of the country depended on the choices Nigerians would make at the ballot box.
Tinubu also thanked Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for organising what he described as a befitting start to the APC presidential campaign, while expressing appreciation to residents for their continued support.
The Kaduna rally marks a key moment in the ruling party’s efforts to mobilise supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the President seeking another four-year term to continue his administration’s economic and infrastructure programmes.
