People Are Not That Hungry” – APC Campaign Council Member Alwan Hassan Dismisses Opposition's Claims About Hunger in Nigeria

An All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council member, Alwan Hassan, has sparked debate after dismissing claims that Nigerians are battling severe hunger, describing the opposition's portrayal of the country's economic hardship as political rhetoric.

Hassan made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today on November 10, 2026, while responding to the opposition's description of the 2027 presidential election as a contest between President Bola Tinubu and hungry Nigerians.

“That is an opposition rhetoric. People are not that hungry,” he said.

When challenged about Nigerians struggling with the cost of living, Hassan maintained his position, saying: “I'm telling you, I live in Nigeria.”

He also argued that food prices had declined in some markets, claiming that farmers were complaining about falling prices of agricultural produce because government food imports were helping to reduce market prices.

“People are not that hungry the way the opposition are portraying it. And I'll say it anywhere. People are not that hungry,” he insisted. 

However, during the same interview, Hassan acknowledged that Nigeria currently cannot produce enough food to feed its population. He defended food imports as a temporary measure to bridge the gap while efforts are made to improve domestic production.

“We cannot feed ourselves. No, but while we do things to now cover up on the gaps, well, in the meantime, we must import,” he said. 

His comments have brought renewed attention to the disagreement between the ruling party and opposition politicians over the state of Nigeria's economy, particularly food affordability and the cost of living.

The concern is whether falling prices in some markets necessarily mean that households can comfortably afford their daily meals. Food availability, market prices and household purchasing power are related, but they are not the same measure of economic well-being.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the debate over hunger is likely to remain an important political issue.

If Nigerians are not as hungry as the opposition claims, how should the government measure whether ordinary households can actually afford to eat?

People are not that hungry the way opposition are portraying it- APC Presidential Campaign Council member, Alwan Hassan, says 📹:@channelstelevision