Tinubu Faces Backlash After Blaming Opposition for Hunger, Poverty in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has faced criticism from opposition politicians and Nigerians following his claim that the opposition was responsible for the hunger and poverty affecting the country, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, during the flag-off of his re-election campaign in Kaduna, where he defended his administration’s efforts to improve living conditions and promised prosperity if returned to office for a second term.

Addressing supporters, the President blamed his political opponents for the economic hardship while assuring Nigerians that his government was working to eliminate hunger and poverty.

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

He also defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, describing it as a necessary step to tackle corruption, fuel smuggling and the alleged manipulation of invoices associated with the subsidy system. The President urged his supporters to reject what he described as misleading claims by the opposition and called for his re-election in January 2027.

However, his remarks triggered reactions from Nigerians who questioned his decision to blame previous administrations and opposition parties for the country’s economic difficulties. Critics argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has been in power since 2015 and should account for its record in addressing poverty and the rising cost of living.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, condemned Tinubu’s comments, describing them as an attempt to evade responsibility for the hardship Nigerians are experiencing.

Atiku argued that the President could not introduce policies that contribute to economic difficulties and then blame others for their consequences. He maintained that Tinubu’s administration should take responsibility for the challenges facing citizens.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, also urged the President to concentrate on finding solutions to the country’s economic problems rather than accusing opposition parties. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.

Director questioned whether Tinubu was suggesting that hunger began only after his administration assumed office, noting that the President had previously acknowledged that hunger existed in the country before his tenure.

“Assuming, but not conceding, that the opposition created hunger, his business and responsibility is to eliminate hunger, because that is why he told Nigerians he’s ‘Emi Lokan,’” the NDC spokesman said.

The debate comes amid continued concerns over the effects of fuel subsidy removal, which Tinubu announced on the day he was inaugurated in May 2023. Critics have repeatedly questioned whether the savings and additional revenue generated by the government’s economic reforms have translated into better living conditions for ordinary Nigerians. Tinubu, however, has maintained that the subsidy removal is irreversible and necessary to reduce public expenditure and support long-term economic growth.

A secondary school teacher in Lagos, Adewale Adepoju, also criticised the President’s remarks, arguing that Nigerians were experiencing greater economic pressure under the current administration. He cited the rising costs of petrol, rice and other essential commodities as evidence of the difficulties confronting households.

Adepoju accused the government of shifting blame instead of addressing the problems and expressed concern about the worsening cost of living and insecurity. His comments reflected the frustration voiced by some Nigerians who believe the administration should focus on delivering measurable improvements before seeking another term.

Social media users also joined the debate. An X user, @Naughti_awol, questioned why the APC was blaming the opposition for hunger despite having governed Nigeria since 2015. Another user, @SarautaMaryam, criticised the President’s remarks and warned against re-electing him, arguing that the economic situation had deteriorated under the ruling party.

The reactions have intensified the debate over accountability, economic policy and the responsibility of political leaders to address citizens’ concerns ahead of the 2027 general election.