President Bola Tinubu’s claim that opposition politicians are responsible for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians has triggered strong reactions from political opponents and citizens grappling with the rising cost of living.
The President made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, during the flag-off of his re-election campaign in Kaduna State, where he defended his administration’s economic policies and promised prosperity if given another term in office.
Addressing supporters, Tinubu argued that the opposition had created the economic problems it was now criticising his government over, insisting that his administration was working to eliminate hunger and poverty.
He also defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, describing the policy as irreversible and urging Nigerians not to be misled by political opponents.
However, his comments have drawn criticism from those who believe the government should focus on addressing the economic difficulties facing households rather than shifting responsibility to previous administrations.
Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Avoiding Responsibility
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticised the President’s remarks, describing them as an attempt to evade responsibility for the country’s economic challenges.
Atiku argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had governed Nigeria since 2015 and should therefore account for its record after more than a decade in power.
He maintained that Nigerians were entitled to ask questions about rising living costs, fuel prices, the depreciation of the naira and the impact of government policies on their daily lives.
According to Atiku, the President should explain what his administration has done to ease the hardship rather than blame political opponents for highlighting it.
NDC Tells President to Focus on Solutions
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) also urged Tinubu to prioritise practical solutions to the economic challenges confronting the country.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, questioned whether the President’s remarks suggested that hunger began only after the current administration took office.
He argued that, regardless of the historical causes of Nigeria’s economic difficulties, the responsibility of a sitting government was to find solutions and improve citizens’ living conditions.
Director further suggested that the President’s comments raised questions about the ruling party’s achievements ahead of the 2027 general election.
Nigerians Question the Government’s Record
Public reactions to Tinubu’s remarks have reflected wider frustration over food prices, transportation costs, fuel expenses and the pressure on household incomes.
Some Nigerians have questioned why the APC, after years in government, continues to refer to previous administrations when explaining the country’s economic difficulties.
Others have argued that although past governments may have contributed to existing problems, the current administration must still be held accountable for its policies and their consequences.
The debate has also renewed attention on the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, a major policy decision that the government has defended as necessary to reduce public spending and tackle corruption associated with the subsidy system.
Critics, however, continue to demand clearer evidence that the additional revenue generated by the reforms is translating into meaningful relief for ordinary Nigerians.
With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the controversy is likely to keep economic hardship and the government’s record at the centre of political debate.
For many Nigerians, the central question remains whether the competing political arguments will produce concrete measures capable of making food, transportation and other basic necessities more affordable.
