President Bola Tinubu opened his 2027 re-election campaign in Kaduna on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a promise of economic recovery, blaming political opponents for hunger and poverty as Nigeria approaches a national vote.
Voice of Nigeria reported that the Kaduna rally formally began the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for Tinubu’s re-election.
Voice of Nigeria quoted Tinubu as saying: “They created the hunger. They created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it.” In his Oct. 1 Independence Day address, published by the State House, Tinubu said easing living expenses was a priority and acknowledged that many families remained stretched by costs for food, schooling, medical care and transport.
Reuters said September petrol prices in Lagos and Abuja were near 1,400 naira ($1.05) per liter, with some northern markets at 1,500 naira. The report said the prices strained household budgets. It also linked the removal of fuel subsidies and the naira’s devaluation to stronger public finances, foreign reserves and investor sentiment, while saying the changes contributed to a severe cost-of-living crisis.
Reuters reported that Phrank Shaibu, a spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s campaign, challenged Tinubu’s accusation, calling it “political amnesia.” Reuters identified Abubakar and Peter Obi as leading challengers to Tinubu and said they finished second and third, respectively, in the 2023 election.
Tinubu’s camp claimed backing from 32 of Nigeria’s 36 governors, Reuters reported, while noting that governors have not always secured their states’ votes for presidential candidates. Premium Times carried a press release in which RELAX Director General Hon Ahmed Bala endorsed Tinubu’s re-election, citing highway work, education loans, agricultural programs and a compressed natural gas initiative. The Independent National Electoral Commission lists the presidential and National Assembly elections for Jan. 16, 2027.
