President Bola Tinubu has launched his 2027 re-election campaign in Kaduna, defending his economic reforms as Nigerians continue to face high living costs, while former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the president’s remarks about hunger and poverty.
Tinubu officially launched the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at a rally in Kaduna State, where he called on Nigerians to support his bid for a second term in office.
The event brought together party supporters and political leaders as the ruling party began its campaign ahead of the January 16, 2027, presidential election. Tinubu used the gathering to defend his administration’s policies and promise further progress if voters return him to power.
However, the rally also sparked a political dispute over responsibility for the economic difficulties affecting millions of Nigerians, with the president blaming opposition politicians for the country’s hunger and poverty.
Tinubu Re-Election Campaign Focuses on Economic Reforms
During the Kaduna rally, Tinubu defended his administration’s economic direction and insisted that his government was working to address the challenges facing the country.
The president accused opposition politicians of creating the hunger and poverty they now criticise his administration over, arguing that his government was making efforts to eliminate these problems.
He also called on voters to give him another four-year mandate, promising prosperity and continued development under his leadership.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has introduced major economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to Nigeria’s foreign exchange system. His administration has defended these measures as necessary steps towards improving public finances, reducing market distortions and strengthening the economy over time.
Nevertheless, the reforms have coincided with significant financial pressure on households, as Nigerians continue to contend with expensive food, transportation, petrol and other essential goods.
Petrol prices have also increased substantially since the subsidy removal, raising transportation and business costs that affect the prices consumers pay for goods and services.
Although the government has pointed to improvements in some economic indicators, many households continue to struggle with reduced purchasing power and the rising cost of daily necessities.
Consequently, the economic impact of Tinubu’s policies is expected to remain a major subject of debate throughout the 2027 election campaign.
Atiku Abubakar Challenges Tinubu Over Hunger
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar criticised Tinubu’s remarks at the Kaduna rally, arguing that the president was attempting to shift responsibility for Nigeria’s economic hardship to the opposition.
Atiku, who is seeking the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), responded to the president’s claim that opposition politicians created the hunger and poverty they now use to criticise his government.
According to a statement issued by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku rejected Tinubu’s explanation and argued that the administration should answer for its economic record.
The exchange reflects the growing disagreement between the ruling party and opposition figures over the causes of Nigeria’s economic difficulties and the effectiveness of the government’s response.
While Tinubu has defended his reforms as necessary for long-term economic stability, opposition politicians have continued to highlight the hardship experienced by households and question whether the benefits of those policies have reached ordinary citizens.
The disagreement is likely to shape campaign messages as political parties seek to convince voters that their proposed policies offer a credible response to the country’s economic challenges.
Economic Hardship and Security Shape 2027 Election Debate
Beyond the exchange between Tinubu and Atiku, the campaign comes at a time when Nigerians are also demanding stronger action against insecurity.
Banditry, kidnapping and attacks on communities remain major concerns in several parts of the country, placing pressure on authorities to improve public safety and protect lives and property.
These challenges could influence how voters assess the performance of the current administration and the promises made by opposition candidates.
For the APC, the campaign provides an opportunity to defend its record, explain the intended benefits of its economic policies and present its plans for the next four years.
Opposition parties, meanwhile, are expected to focus on the cost of living, security and other concerns affecting Nigerians as they challenge the ruling party’s performance.
With the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, the coming months will provide candidates with opportunities to present their policies and engage voters on issues that matter to them.
The debate surrounding Tinubu’s re-election bid therefore places economic recovery, public accountability and national security at the centre of the emerging political contest.