President Bola Tinubu formally launched his re-election bid for the 2027 presidential election on October 25, 2026, flagging off the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign in Kaduna State. He was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and their wives, addressing what he described as hundreds of thousands of supporters drawn from across the North.
Tinubu Addresses Supporters, Blames Opposition for Economic Crisis
In his full speech at the APC campaign flag-off, Tinubu directly addressed critics over hunger and poverty, claiming his opponents created the problems Nigeria now faces. He noted, "Three years ago, you gave me the privilege of serving as your President. Today, you filled this city again, hundreds of thousands of you from across the North, and I felt the warmth of your support."
The president used the occasion to push back against opposition criticism over worsening economic conditions, placing blame squarely on previous administrations. He stated, "My opponents talk about hunger and poverty. I asked the crowd today who created these problems. They did. We are the ones working to eradicate them."
Subsidy Removal and Economic Reforms Defended
Tinubu pointed to the removal of the petrol subsidy as a defining moment of his administration, framing it as a courageous decision that ended years of corruption in the sector. "The subsidy racket, fraudulent invoices and fuel smuggling are firmly behind us, and there is no going back," he said, adding that the reforms had since generated increased revenues now being channelled to states through APC governors.
Acknowledging the hardship that Nigerians have endured since the reforms took effect, the president struck a more personal tone, saying, "I know the road has been hard. I hear you. Your sacrifices will not be in vain." He praised Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for hosting the campaign launch and cited the performance of APC governors across the country as evidence of the party's governance record, noting that salaries were being paid regularly and infrastructure projects were progressing.
Appeal for Votes and Related Political Developments
Tinubu rounded off his address with a direct appeal for votes, setting his sights firmly on the January 16, 2027 election date. "On January 16, 2027, come out with your PVCs and give Vice President Kashim Shettima and me the mandate to finish what we started," he said.
In related political developments, Legit.ng earlier reported that a fresh wave of defections to the NDC hit on Saturday, October 11, 2026, as a former APC leader from Kumbotso LGA joined the party. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NDC's Vice Presidential Candidate, hosted the defecting official at his Kano residence. A media aide to Kwankwaso shared a video of the event on X, signalling growing momentum for the NDC ahead of 2027.
