Tinubu Blames Opposition for Nigeria’s Hunger Crisis; Atiku Calls Claim ‘Delusional’

Politics | Nigeria | October 25, 2026

President Bola Tinubu has blamed opposition politicians for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians, prompting a sharp response from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who accused the president of avoiding responsibility for the country’s economic difficulties.

The exchange followed Tinubu’s presidential campaign launch for the 2027 election at a rally in Kaduna on Saturday, October 24. Addressing supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the president argued that opposition politicians were responsible for creating the problems his administration was seeking to resolve.

“I hear the opposition talking about hunger and poverty. Who caused them? They did!” Tinubu said, adding that his government was working to eliminate the problems.

Atiku, the former vice-president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejected the president’s remarks, describing them as delusional and an attempt to evade accountability.

Atiku questions the government’s handling of the economy

In a statement issued through his campaign communications director, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the APC-led administration should accept responsibility for the economic conditions Nigerians are experiencing.

He pointed to the party’s years in federal government, including Tinubu’s time in office, and questioned why the opposition was being blamed for the country’s hardship.

Atiku also criticised the administration’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign-exchange regime, arguing that their effects had placed pressure on households and businesses.

He challenged the government to explain how its policies were improving living standards and what concrete results Nigerians could expect from public spending.

Tinubu defends his economic reforms

Tinubu has defended the removal of the petrol subsidy as a necessary reform intended to reduce government expenditure and address longstanding problems associated with the subsidy system.

At the Kaduna rally, he maintained that the country would not return to the former subsidy arrangement and urged supporters to reject criticism from political opponents. He also promised continued efforts towards economic recovery, prosperity and growth.

The policy remains a central point of debate in Nigeria. While the government argues that its reforms are necessary for long-term economic stability, critics have raised concerns about the immediate effects on fuel prices, transport costs, food affordability and household purchasing power.

Economic hardship takes centre stage ahead of 2027

The exchange comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 presidential election, with the economy likely to remain a major issue in public debate.

For many Nigerians, the key concerns include the cost of essential goods, employment opportunities, the value of the naira and whether government policies can translate into improved living conditions.

Atiku has called on the administration to be judged by its record and the everyday experiences of citizens. Tinubu, meanwhile, has defended his reform agenda and pledged to continue pursuing economic recovery.

The competing positions illustrate a widening political dispute over who bears responsibility for Nigeria’s economic challenges and whether the government’s policies are delivering sufficient relief.

As campaigning continues, the central question for voters will be how the competing parties explain the country’s economic situation and what credible measures they propose to improve living standards.