Tinubu Blames Atiku, Other Former Leaders for Nigeria’s Hunger at Rivers Campaign Rally

President Bola Tinubu has again blamed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders for the hunger and economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The President argued that the hardship being experienced by Nigerians did not begin under his administration but was the result of years of poor leadership by those who governed the country before him.

He specifically accused Atiku and his political associates of failing to develop the country despite occupying positions of authority for several years.

“Those people who are shouting hunger today are the ones who caused the hunger. Atiku and his friends were in government for years. They had the chance to build Nigeria. They did not build it. They ate the money,” Tinubu said.

The President recalled that Atiku served as vice president for eight years, insisting that he had sufficient opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s development but failed to make the expected impact.

Tinubu also accused opposition politicians of exploiting the economic challenges to attack his administration, arguing that their criticism was driven by their desire to return to power rather than concern for ordinary Nigerians.

He maintained that his government was working to address hunger through investments in agriculture, food production and employment opportunities.

The President urged Nigerians to assess his administration based on its economic policies and ongoing efforts to improve the country, rather than what he described as criticism from political opponents.

Tinubu’s comments came amid growing political exchanges between the ruling APC and opposition parties over the rising cost of living, food prices and the economic conditions facing households across the country.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has repeatedly criticised the Tinubu administration over the hardship, accusing the President of shifting responsibility instead of addressing the challenges.

The former vice president has maintained that the government should be held accountable for its policies and their effects on Nigerians.

The disagreement over the causes of hunger and the government’s response has become a major issue in the political campaigns ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.