President Bola Tinubu has blamed previous administrations and opposition politicians for Nigeria’s hunger and poverty, promising a more prosperous future if re-elected in 2027.

He made the statement on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign flag-off at Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna, where he urged Nigerians to support his bid for a second term.

Tinubu defended his administration’s efforts to tackle economic hardship, pointing to regular salary payments and the performance of APC governors as evidence of progress. He accused his political opponents of criticising the country’s economic conditions despite their alleged role in creating the problems.

The President also appealed to young Nigerians to look forward to greater opportunities under another APC government. He encouraged voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the January 16, 2027 elections, urging them to support APC candidates across all levels of government.

He further defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, describing it as a policy the country had moved beyond. Tinubu promised continued economic recovery, growth and improved opportunities, while cautioning Nigerians against what he called misleading statements from the opposition.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima also called on voters to give the APC another mandate, arguing that the party had delivered on its promises. He cited ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road, the Kano-Maradi railway and the Lagos-Kano rail corridor.

Shettima additionally highlighted federal investments in Kaduna’s education sector, mentioning the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the Federal University of Education in Zaria and vocational institutes that he said had produced more than 4,000 graduates.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects, pointing to federal projects and security measures in the state. He said work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway was 95 per cent complete.

Sani also highlighted the reconstruction of the 123-kilometre Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, stating that N117bn had been released for the project after it remained abandoned for more than four decades. He added that security improvements had enabled schools and primary healthcare centres previously closed because of insecurity to reopen.

Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, said the party would campaign on its achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education and human capital development. He added that northern political, traditional and religious leaders were working to build support for Tinubu’s re-election.

The Kaduna rally formally launched the APC’s campaign for the 2027 general elections. Prominent attendees included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, state governors, ministers, lawmakers and senior party officials.

Thousands of APC supporters attended the event, wearing party-branded clothing, waving flags and chanting slogans in support of Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani.