Tinubu At Kaduna Rally Blames Opponents For Hunger, Poverty As APC Chair Yilwatda Assures Him He’ll Win And Hands Flags To 7 N-West States’ Candidates
President Bola Tinubu has accused opposition politicians of using hunger and poverty as campaign tools ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that they contributed to the economic problems his administration is trying to resolve.
He spoke on Saturday, October 24, in Kaduna at the launch of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign, where he sought support for a second term.
The rally was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Vice President’s wife Nana Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
APC governors, National Assembly members, party leaders and supporters also attended.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President defended his economic reforms, saying they were intended to address inherited difficulties and create conditions for sustainable growth.
He argued that the APC offered Nigerians opportunities for recovery and prosperity, while describing opposition criticism as politically motivated.
“Our opponents are angry because they are failures. They have nothing to offer you, but we have prosperity, consistency, growth, recovery and opportunity,” he said.
Tinubu thanked Kaduna residents for supporting him in the 2023 election and said another mandate would allow his administration to consolidate its reforms and development programmes.
He promised greater opportunities for young Nigerians and urged voters to assess his administration’s achievements alongside its plans.
The President also reaffirmed his opposition to restoring petrol subsidy, linking the former system to corruption, falsified invoices and smuggling.
“Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption. No more falsification of invoices, no more lies, no more smuggling,” he said.
Tinubu maintained that the sacrifices associated with the reforms would eventually deliver a stronger economy and improved living conditions.
He praised APC governors for their development projects and regular payment of workers’ salaries, describing their performance as evidence of the party’s commitment to public welfare.
Earlier, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda presented party flags to governors and governorship candidates from the North-West.
The governors are:
1. Uba Sani — Kaduna State
2. Abba Kabir Yusuf — Kano State
3. Dikko Umaru Radda — Katsina State
4. Umar Namadi — Jigawa State
5. Nasir Idris — Kebbi State
6. Ahmad Aliyu — Sokoto State
7. Dauda Lawal — Zamfara State
The APC National Chairman declared that Tinubu had earned the confidence and support of Nigerians through his courageous leadership, commitment to national development and the promise of greater prosperity for the country.
Yilwatda said the enthusiasm surrounding the campaign reflected growing public confidence in the President’s leadership, particularly among women, young people and other Nigerians who believe in the administration’s vision for a stronger, more prosperous and economically resilient nation.
“Mr President, the people have spoken, and their voice is loud and clear. Nigerians are happy. Our women are happy, our youths are happy, and the people are encouraged by your leadership. Today, we celebrate a courageous leader who has demonstrated the determination to take difficult but necessary decisions in the interest of our country.
“We are proud to present to Nigerians the most competent and credible candidate for the presidency. The APC is united, prepared and confident. The governors have spoken, and the political realignments involving the Accord Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are further indications of the growing national conversation around the President’s leadership and the direction of our country,” he said.
Yilwatda noted that APC’s campaign would be anchored on the administration’s record, its ongoing reforms and a compelling vision for the future.
He urged Nigerians to assess the government not only by the challenges confronting the country but also by the courage required to address longstanding structural problems and lay a sustainable foundation for national prosperity.
According to him, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated the political will to confront difficult economic realities, strengthen national infrastructure and reposition the country for sustainable growth.
He expressed confidence that the benefits of the ongoing reforms would become increasingly evident as implementation continues.
The APC National Chairman maintained that the President’s first term had established a foundation upon which a second-term administration could build a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria.
“The task before us is to consolidate the gains, deepen the reforms and ensure that the promise of Renewed Hope translates into greater opportunities, improved livelihoods and shared prosperity for our people. We believe that the President deserves the opportunity to complete this work and take Nigeria to the next level,” he added.
