“They created the hunger”: Tinubu's Kaduna speech, and why critics aren't buying it

On hunger: “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.”

On the opposition: “Our opponents are angry because [of] their failures. They have nothing to offer you but heckling.”

On fuel subsidy: “What is past is the past. Fuel subsidy is in our past. No more corruption… No more lies.” He also said “we pay salaries regularly” and asked the crowd to show their PVCs.

Atiku (ADC): blaming the opposition for hunger is “either delusion or a staggering case of political amnesia”, and “a road cannot be completed with a speech or a ribbon-cutting ceremony”, a reference to the 81km road section inaugurated at the rally.

ADC campaign council: media director Kola Ologbondiyan called the rally “a monumental disappointment” and alleged attendees were paid ₦50,000–₦100,000 each. That claim has not been verified.

Makinde–Daura campaign (APM): “another carnival of deceit”, selling “repackaged failed promises” to the North.

The APC's reply: publicity secretary Felix Morka declined to engage: “Nigerians watch the flag off and know what happened.” Supporters described a massive turnout; there is no independent crowd count.