Tinubu Inaugurates 81km Kaduna-Abuja Highway, Accuses Opponents Of Creating Poverty

Amarachi Ihesiulo

October 26, 2026
3 min read
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated an 81-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway and accused opposition leaders of creating the poverty and hunger they now criticise his administration over.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off for the 2027 general elections at Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna.

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

He urged Nigerians to support his administration for another term, citing investments in critical infrastructure and ongoing efforts to improve economic conditions across the country.

The President also thanked Kaduna residents for supporting him in the 2023 presidential election, calling on them to renew their mandate ahead of the 2027 polls.

At the event, Tinubu performed a symbolic ribbon-cutting to inaugurate the 81-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who spoke during the virtual commissioning of the road section, highlighted infrastructure projects being undertaken by the administration across the North-West and other parts of the country.

Tinubu also recalled Kaduna’s historical importance as a political centre in Northern Nigeria, saying his administration was committed to addressing poverty and promoting development.

The rally attracted APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Vice-President, party leaders and other political stakeholders.

In his remarks, Shettima urged Nigerians to support the administration’s policies, describing continuity as necessary for national unity, democratic stability and economic development.

The Vice-President recalled Tinubu’s support for Northern political figures in previous elections, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, who won the presidency in 2015 and 2019.

He also referenced Tinubu’s past political alliances with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate Nuhu Ribadu, describing them as evidence of his willingness to build relationships across regional lines.

Shettima said Kaduna residents had demonstrated political wisdom by supporting the APC in 2023 and urged them to maintain their backing.

Governor Uba Sani, in his welcome address, commended Tinubu for supporting state governments in implementing development programmes, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture and citizens’ welfare.

The governor also acknowledged the First Lady’s interventions for women, children and families, while warning party supporters against misinformation during the election campaign.

APC Presidential Campaign Council Director-General Abdulaziz Yari expressed confidence in the party’s chances in 2027 and urged Nigerians to assess the administration based on its policies and performance.

Yari also defended the government’s economic reforms, citing developments in the foreign exchange market.

Tinubu’s remarks on poverty and hunger come amid continuing public debate over the impact of his administration’s economic policies. The President’s accusations against opposition leaders were not accompanied by detailed evidence at the rally, while the opposition’s response was not included in the statement.

The Kaduna event marked a major mobilisation effort by the ruling party as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

Amarachi Ihesiulo

Ihesiulo Grace Amarachi is a Nigerian journalist, writer and media professional serving as the Editor-in-Chief of TheTraffic.NG, a digital news platform covering national and international affairs. Her editorial interests span politics, business, aviation, health, technology, entertainment, sports and social development. She is committed to credible journalism, insightful reporting and compelling storytelling that informs public discourse and keeps readers abreast of important developments in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.