Tinubu launches 2027 campaign in Kaduna, blames rivals for national poverty

President Bola Tinubu formally launched the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign for the 2027 general elections on Saturday, holding the flag-off rally at the Ranchers Bees Stadium, also known as Kaduna Township Stadium, in Kaduna State. During the event, the President addressed a large gathering of party leaders and supporters from across the country, officially beginning the mobilisation process for his bid to secure a second term in office. The choice of Kaduna for the launch was significant, as Tinubu expressed gratitude to the state's electorate for their support during the previous presidential election, stating that their votes were instrumental in his initial victory. He appealed to the public to renew his mandate, citing a desire to sustain promises of prosperity, continuity, progress, and development for the nation.

Background

The campaign rally served as a platform for Tinubu to address criticisms levied against his administration, particularly regarding the economic situation in Nigeria. The President directly challenged his political opponents, including Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders, by asserting that they were responsible for the current levels of hunger and poverty. According to reports from Punch and Leadership, Tinubu argued that while his opponents spoke about these issues, they were the ones who had created them. He maintained that his current administration is actively working to eradicate these challenges. In defense of his government's economic policies, Tinubu highlighted the regular payment of salaries and praised the performance of APC governors, describing them as diligent workers who are developing their respective states. He further characterized the opposition as angry and incapable of offering meaningful alternatives, claiming they had nothing to offer but heckling, whereas his administration focused on recovery, growth, and opportunity.

Why it matters

This campaign launch marks the beginning of a competitive electoral cycle for the 2027 general elections, with the APC seeking to consolidate its power across all levels of government. The President's rhetoric sets a confrontational tone for the upcoming campaign, framing the election as a choice between the current administration's economic management and the opposition's record. By blaming his rivals for existing economic hardships, Tinubu aims to deflect criticism and position his government as the sole provider of stability and progress. The President also addressed the legacy of the fuel subsidy removal, declaring it a matter of the past and linking it to the elimination of corruption, invoice falsification, and wealth smuggling. He urged voters to look beyond past economic challenges and focus on the opportunities presented by the current administration. The rally also emphasized the importance of voter registration, with Tinubu asking attendees to confirm they possessed their Permanent Voter Cards to ensure high turnout.

What happens next

President Tinubu has explicitly called on supporters to mobilise massively for the elections scheduled for January 16, 2027. He instructed voters to support APC candidates not only for the presidency but also for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and state Houses of Assembly positions. The President assured the electorate that their prosperity was secured through this political alignment. The APC will now proceed with further mobilisation efforts across the country to build on the momentum generated at the Kaduna flag-off rally. The opposition is expected to respond to the President's accusations regarding the creation of poverty and hunger, potentially leading to further political exchanges in the months leading up to the polls.