President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accused opposition politicians, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, of being responsible for the hunger and poverty they have criticised his administration over, insisting that his government is working to address the challenges.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, 2026, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off rally in Kaduna State, where he sought support for his re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election.

Addressing party supporters, the President challenged opposition figures who have raised concerns about the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, blaming them for creating the problems his administration says it is trying to resolve.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The President also promised prosperity if he secures a second term, urging Nigerians, particularly young people, to support his administration.

“To you, the children of our country, it’s a promise of a second term, prosperity; you will not regret going to the polls,” he said.

Tinubu defended his administration’s record, saying salaries were being paid regularly and praising APC governors for what he described as their development efforts across their respective states.

He also reiterated his support for the economic reforms introduced since he assumed office in May 2023, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, which has contributed to higher transport and living costs.

The reforms have been defended by the government as necessary steps towards economic recovery, while critics have questioned their implementation and the hardship experienced by households.

Nigeria continues to face concerns over food affordability, inflation, insecurity and pressure on household incomes. These issues are expected to feature prominently in political debates as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.

Tinubu’s remarks at the Kaduna rally form part of the APC’s campaign message as the President seeks another four-year mandate. Opposition figures, including Atiku and Obi, have also criticised aspects of the administration’s performance and are expected to present their own proposals to voters.

While Tinubu attributed the country’s hunger and poverty to his political opponents, the statement was an accusation made during a campaign rally. He did not provide specific evidence at the event to establish that the opposition candidates were responsible for creating the current economic difficulties.

The Kaduna rally marked the formal launch of the APC’s presidential campaign, with the President urging supporters to back his second-term bid and promising prosperity, economic recovery and further development.