Kaduna, Nigeria — October 24, 2026 | ENS NEWS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched his campaign for a second term in office, addressing thousands of supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The campaign launch marks a significant development ahead of Nigeria’s presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, as political parties intensify preparations for what is expected to be a closely watched national contest.
Speaking at the Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna, Tinubu defended his administration’s economic policies, promised continued reforms and accused political opponents of contributing to the hunger and poverty affecting millions of Nigerians.
Tinubu Blames Opposition for Hunger and Poverty
During his address, the president challenged opposition leaders who have criticised his government’s economic performance.
Tinubu argued that Nigeria’s economic difficulties did not begin under his administration and maintained that his government was working to address longstanding structural problems.
“They created the hunger. They created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” the president told supporters.
He also defended his administration’s record on salary payments, infrastructure development and economic management.
The remarks immediately became a central talking point in Nigeria’s political debate, particularly as rising living costs remain a major concern for households and businesses.
Economic Hardship Takes Centre Stage
Nigeria’s economic conditions are expected to play a major role in the 2027 presidential election.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has implemented major economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange system.
The administration argues that these measures are necessary to stabilise government finances, attract investment and create a more sustainable economy.
However, the reforms have also coincided with significant increases in transportation costs, food prices and household expenses.
According to Reuters, petrol prices reached approximately ₦1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja in September 2026, with higher prices reported in parts of northern Nigeria.
For many Nigerians, the immediate concern remains whether government reforms will translate into improved purchasing power, affordable transportation, employment opportunities and greater economic security.
Tinubu used the Kaduna rally to assure supporters that the reforms would deliver long-term benefits.
Atiku’s Camp Rejects Tinubu’s Claims
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s campaign rejected the president’s suggestion that opposition politicians were responsible for Nigeria’s present economic hardship.
Phrank Shaibu, a spokesperson for Atiku’s campaign, accused the administration of avoiding responsibility for the economic consequences of its policies.
The opposition argues that decisions made since 2023, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and currency reforms, have intensified financial pressure on ordinary Nigerians.
This disagreement illustrates one of the central debates emerging ahead of the election: whether Nigeria’s current economic challenges primarily reflect inherited structural problems or the consequences of recent government decisions.
Tinubu Defends Fuel Subsidy Removal
The removal of Nigeria’s petrol subsidy remains among the most controversial policies introduced by the Tinubu administration.
Supporters of the policy argue that ending subsidies can reduce fiscal pressures and redirect public resources toward infrastructure and development.
Critics contend that the decision imposed substantial costs on households before sufficient measures were available to protect vulnerable Nigerians.
At the Kaduna rally, Tinubu defended the decision, linking the former subsidy system to corruption, false invoicing and fuel smuggling.
His administration maintains that economic reforms are beginning to strengthen public finances and investment conditions.
However, the extent to which these improvements have benefited ordinary households remains a major subject of political and economic debate.
APC Mobilises Support Across Nigeria
The Kaduna campaign event attracted senior APC officials, government representatives and supporters from different parts of the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima joined the president at the rally, alongside Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and other party leaders.
The event demonstrated the ruling party’s efforts to organise its political structures ahead of the election.
According to Reuters, Tinubu’s camp says it has the support of 32 of Nigeria’s 36 state governors.
However, political endorsements and party organisation do not determine electoral outcomes, and voter participation, economic conditions and local political dynamics will remain important.
Tinubu has indicated that he will personally attend selected campaign rallies while continuing to carry out his presidential responsibilities.
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