Tinubu Launches Re-election Campaign, Defends Economic Reforms

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has launched his campaign for a second term, defending his economic policies and urging voters to support his administration’s plans for recovery despite widespread financial hardship.

Addressing supporters at the Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna, Tinubu said reforms introduced under his leadership were beginning to stabilize public finances and would lay the foundation for lasting prosperity.

The rally marked the formal start of his campaign ahead of the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

Tinubu defended the removal of fuel subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange system, which have contributed to higher living costs and intensified criticism of his government. He maintained that the measures were necessary to address longstanding weaknesses in Nigeria’s economy.

Responding to opposition criticism over hunger and poverty, the president argued that his administration inherited deep-rooted problems.

“They created the hunger, they created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” he told the crowd.

Tinubu also ruled out restoring the previous petrol subsidy system, rejecting opposition proposals to bring it back. He argued that reversing the policy would undermine efforts to repair the country’s finances and sustain economic recovery.

The 74-year-old president is seeking another mandate amid widespread poverty and pressure on households struggling with the cost of food, transport and other essentials.

Security is also expected to feature prominently in the campaign, with armed banditry, kidnapping and attacks by jihadist groups continuing to affect communities across the country.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former state governor Peter Obi, who both challenged Tinubu in the 2023 election, are expected to remain his principal opponents.

Tinubu’s campaign places the defense of his economic record at the center of the contest, as he seeks to persuade Nigerians that the hardship associated with his reforms will produce lasting improvements.

Source: Omanghana