By Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London

President Bola Tinubu has accused opposition leaders of creating the poverty and hunger they now blame his administration for, as he formally kicked off the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign for the 2027 general election in Kaduna State.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday at a rally held at the Ranchers Bees Stadium, where he urged Nigerians to support his administration’s efforts to address economic challenges and consolidate its development programmes.

“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created the hunger; they created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” the President said.

The remarks appeared directed at opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who served from 1999 to 2007 and is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC

Tinubu’s administration has defended its economic reforms as necessary measures to stabilise the economy and improve living conditions, despite concerns over the cost of living.

At the rally, the President also inaugurated the 81-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway through a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The commissioning formed part of the administration’s infrastructure programme aimed at improving connectivity, facilitating trade and supporting economic activities across the North-West and other parts of the country.

Tinubu recalled Kaduna’s historical significance as a centre of political leadership in Northern Nigeria, saying his administration remained committed to tackling poverty and improving the country’s economic fortunes.

He thanked Kaduna residents for supporting him in the 2023 presidential election and urged them to renew his mandate in 2027, citing investments in critical infrastructure and other development initiatives.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to national unity, democratic stability and economic development, urging Nigerians to support the administration for another term.Nigeria news updates

Shettima recalled Tinubu’s support for Northern presidential candidates in previous elections, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, who won the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections.

He also referenced Tinubu’s political relationships with other Northern leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate Nuhu Ribadu, describing them as evidence of political loyalty and a commitment to national unity.

[25/10, 01:14] Sam Biodun Ogundipe BenTv: According to the Vice-President, such relationships helped strengthen the APC and demonstrated the importance of cooperation across regional and political lines.

He urged party members and supporters to maintain their solidarity with Tinubu as the APC seeks another mandate to continue its programmes.

“We won the last election because you saw the best option before you.

For the good people of Kaduna State, we have seen why you stood with us within the mandate of the APC, a mandate to redeem the fortune of this great state. This wisdom has made Kaduna State a unified place,” Shettima said.

In his welcome address, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani commended Tinubu for supporting state governments in implementing development programmes and pursuing their priorities.

He said cooperation between the Federal Government and state governments was essential to sustainable development, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture and initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.

The governor also acknowledged the contributions of the First Lady to the welfare of women, children and families.

Sani urged APC supporters to remain vigilant against misinformation during the electioneering period, particularly misleading content circulated on social media and materials allegedly generated using artificial intelligence.

The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, expressed confidence in the party’s ability to mobilise support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

Yari commended Governor Sani, party leaders and other stakeholders for their roles in organising the campaign flag-off, describing their participation as evidence of the party’s commitment to its electoral objectives.

The former Zamfara State governor also defended the administration’s economic reforms, citing developments in the foreign exchange market.

He urged Nigerians to assess the government based on its policies and performance, while warning party supporters against misinformation.Nigeria news updates

Yari expressed confidence in the APC’s political organisation, experience in previous elections and capacity to secure another electoral victory.

Also speaking during the virtual commissioning of Lot 1 of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, Works Minister Dave Umahi highlighted infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Tinubu administration in the North-West and across the country.