President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians, particularly supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to prepare for the 2027 general election by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), as he formally launched his re-election campaign in Kaduna State.
Speaking at the APC presidential campaign flag-off rally on Saturday, Tinubu called on supporters to vote for the ruling party across all levels of government, expressing confidence that his administration’s economic policies would deliver prosperity and improved living conditions.
The President’s appeal came as the rising cost of living, food prices and transportation expenses remain major concerns for households across the country.
Addressing the crowd, Tinubu defended his administration against criticism over hunger and poverty, accusing opposition parties of contributing to the challenges they now attribute to his government.
“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created hunger. They created poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” he said.
The President maintained that his government was working to address the country’s economic difficulties and create opportunities for Nigerians.
He contrasted his administration’s agenda with that of opposition parties, accusing his political rivals of promoting hostility rather than presenting practical solutions to the country’s problems.
“Our opponents are angry because they are playing you. They have nothing to offer you but hate. We have prosperity, consistency, growth, recovery, and opportunity. I assure you,” Tinubu said.
He urged supporters to scrutinise opposition campaign messages and remain committed to the APC, insisting that his administration had a plan to improve the country’s economic outlook.
The President also highlighted the importance of voter participation, asking supporters at the rally whether they had obtained their PVCs.
“Do you have your PVC? Do you have your PVC? Show your hands,” he asked.
He called on party faithful to support APC candidates in the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state House of Assembly elections, stressing the need for the party to maintain its presence across the different levels of government.
Tinubu also commended APC governors for their performance, particularly in the payment of workers’ salaries and the implementation of development programmes in their states.
The choice of Kaduna for the campaign flag-off places the North-West region in focus ahead of the 2027 elections, given its importance in Nigeria’s presidential electoral contest.
However, Tinubu’s assurances come amid continuing debate over the effects of his administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange system.
While the government has defended the policies as necessary measures for long-term economic stability and growth, many Nigerians continue to grapple with rising food prices, transport fares and other essential expenses.
Opposition parties have repeatedly criticised the administration’s handling of the economy, arguing that the reforms have increased pressure on households. Tinubu, in turn, has maintained that his government is working to reverse the difficulties and expand economic opportunities.
As the 2027 election campaign begins to take shape, the competing arguments over economic performance, poverty alleviation and the future direction of the country are expected to remain central to the contest.
The Kaduna rally marked an early effort by the APC to mobilise its supporters and build momentum for Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
