[Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu) addressed a packed rally in Kaduna on Saturday, officially launching the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) campaign for the 16 January 2027 presidential election and directly charging his political opponents with creating the country’s current hunger and poverty. He called on attendees to register their Permanent Voter Cards and to turn out in large numbers on election day.
**Key facts**
- The rally took place in Kaduna State on Saturday, 12 October 2026.
- Tinubu warned that “they created the hunger, they created the poverty we are trying to eradicate.”
- He pledged a second term would bring “prosperity, continuity, progress and development.”
- Vice President Kashim Shettima also spoke, highlighting the party’s achievements in education and infrastructure.
- Tinubu dismissed the Federal Capital Territory minister’s call for a rainbow coalition, urging voters to back APC candidates at every level.
What accusations did Tinubu level at the opposition?
Tinubu described his rivals as “failures” who resort to heckling rather than offering constructive policies. He argued that their criticism stems from personal frustration, not genuine concern for Nigerians’ welfare, and that they have nothing substantive to present to the electorate.
How did Tinubu defend his administration’s record?
He asserted that the government continues to pay salaries on time, that APC governors are actively working, and that development projects are underway across the federation. Tinubu highlighted regular salary payments, ongoing infrastructure works, and the continuation of economic recovery as evidence of his government’s performance.
What message did the President give about voter participation?
Tinubu repeatedly asked the crowd to raise their hands if they possessed a Permanent Voter Card, emphasizing the importance of voter registration. He urged Nigerians to “go out massively” on 16 January 2027 to re‑elect him and support APC candidates for governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives.
How did Tinubu respond to the fuel subsidy debate?
When former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar pledged to restore the petrol subsidy if elected, Tinubu declared that fuel subsidies belong to the past and warned that reinstating them would revive corruption, invoice falsification, and wealth smuggling.
What achievements did the Vice President cite for Kaduna?
Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the transition of the Federal University of Education in Zaria, and the creation of state vocational institutes in Rigachikun, Soba and Samaru Kataf, which have produced over 4,000 graduates. He also referenced education funding through the National Economic and Development Fund (NELFUND) that supports hundreds of thousands of students.
Why was Kaduna chosen for the campaign launch?
Shettima explained that Kaduna’s historical significance as a meeting point for leaders before independence makes it a symbolic venue. He noted the party’s delivery on promises such as new universities and vocational centres, positioning the state as a testament to APC’s development agenda.
Tinubu concluded by invoking prayers for departed leaders, urging vigilance against misinformation, and assuring voters that a second term would cement growth, recovery and opportunity for all Nigerians.