President Bola Tinubu Launches 2027 Presidential Campaign in Kaduna On Saturday, President Bola Tinubu formally launched his 2027 presidential campaign at the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag‑off ceremony held at Ranchers Bees Stadium (Kaduna Township Stadium) in Kaduna. The event, attended by senior federal officials, APC governors, and party leaders, marked the official start of the party’s campaign for the upcoming general elections. During the rally, Tinubu accused opposition politicians of being responsible for the hunger and poverty affecting Nigerians. “I have heard the opposition talking about hunger and poverty. Who caused them? They did! They caused hunger and poverty. We are trying to eliminate them,” he said. He urged supporters to scrutinise opposition statements, particularly those criticizing his decision to remove the petrol subsidy. “Fuel subsidy is in our past: no more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more lies, no more smuggling of fuel,” Tinubu added. Tinubu also highlighted economic reforms undertaken since taking office in May 2023, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange regime. He said the measures were intended to reduce public expenditure, curb corruption, and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth. Critics, however, continue to demand evidence that the savings and additional revenue from these reforms are improving living conditions for ordinary Nigerians. The president praised APC governors for their development projects and claimed that salaries were being paid on time. He thanked the people of Kaduna State for their support in the 2023 presidential election, stating that their backing contributed to his victory. “You gave me the joy of remembering the victory you gave me to become president. I have returned to thank you once again,” he said, urging Nigerians to give him another opportunity in 2027. In response to Tinubu’s remarks, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), called the president’s claims “a delusional, shameless attempt to dodge responsibility for the misery his own government has inflicted on Nigerians.” Atiku said a president cannot create hardship with his own policies and then blame others for the consequences. Vice President Kashim Shettima defended Tinubu’s relationship with northern Nigeria, noting that the president has historically supported politicians from the region. Shettima cited Tinubu’s support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2007, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nuhu Ribadu in 2011, and former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019. He described Tinubu as the “Lion of Bourdillon,” referring to the president’s residence on Bourdillon Road in Lagos. The rally was attended by Vice President Shettima, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, among other senior officials. APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and director‑general of the party’s presidential campaign council Abdulaziz Yari were also present to oversee preparations and mobilise support for Tinubu’s re‑election bid. The event underscored the APC’s efforts to consolidate its support base ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid ongoing public concerns over high food prices, inflation, and declining purchasing power.
Article source: My Joy Online | Image credit: My Joy Online