Presidency Slams Aregbesola Over Tinubu Criticism, Takes Swipe at Buhari Era

The Presidency has issued a strong rebuttal to former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention held in Abuja.

The response, issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, not only defended the current administration but also contained pointed remarks widely interpreted as an indirect critique of the former administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, under which Aregbesola served as Minister of Interior.

Aregbesola had, at the ADC convention, described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a “scam” and declared that the 2027 election would not be a “walkover” for Tinubu, accusing the administration of authoritarian tendencies and efforts to suppress opposition voices.

In a detailed response, Onanuga accused Aregbesola of hypocrisy and pointed to what he described as failures during his tenure in public office, both as governor of Osun State and as Interior Minister.

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He alleged that Aregbesola’s tenure as Governor of Osun State was marked by severe financial hardship, including unpaid salaries, delayed pension payments, and fiscal instability that reportedly led to the state receiving negative federal allocations at the time. He further claimed that many pensioners suffered during the period due to non-payment.

The presidential aide also stated that Aregbesola’s successor inherited significant governance challenges, which subsequent administrations in Osun have continued to address.

Turning to his time as Minister of Interior under the Buhari administration, Onanuga alleged that Nigeria experienced its highest number of jailbreaks during that period, citing incidents including the Kuje Correctional Centre attack and other prison breaks across several states such as Imo, Kabba, Jos, and Abolongo.

He further criticised what he described as inefficiencies in passport processing and lapses in correctional facility security during Aregbesola’s tenure, arguing that over 4,000 inmates escaped in multiple prison attacks within the period.

“For someone who failed so woefully to secure correctional centres, it is ironic that he now lectures others on insecurity,” Onanuga said in the statement.

Defending the current administration, Onanuga said the Tinubu government has acknowledged the hardship caused by ongoing economic reforms but insisted that measures have been introduced to cushion their effects. These include an increase in the minimum wage, expanded cash transfer programmes, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises.

He also claimed that macroeconomic indicators have improved under Tinubu’s leadership, citing inflation reduction, stronger foreign reserves, and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

On security, the Presidency said the government is strengthening the armed forces, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies with improved funding and equipment, alongside international cooperation to tackle terrorism and banditry.

Onanuga also defended the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a reform programme aimed at stabilising the economy and restoring growth, while dismissing criticisms from opposition figures gathered under the ADC coalition.

At the ADC convention, Aregbesola had also accused the Tinubu administration of suppressing opposition and warned that the 2027 elections would be competitive, insisting that there would be “no coronation” for any candidate.

The exchange highlights rising political tensions between key figures within Nigeria’s ruling political circles and opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Further reactions are expected from political stakeholders as the debate continues.

Presidency Slams Aregbesola Over Tinubu Criticism, Takes Swipe at Buhari Era

Atiku–Obi Ticket ‘Best Bet’ to Unseat APC in 2027 – Dele Momodu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has declared that a joint presidential ticket between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi represents the strongest strategy for the opposition to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Momodu said the emerging ADC coalition is gaining momentum as a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he accused of promoting “one-man rule” and weakening democratic institutions.

Momodu argued that an Atiku–Obi ticket offers both experience and electoral appeal, noting that both politicians already command significant national followings from previous elections. He recalled their collaboration in 2019, adding that Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election provides a ready base of supporters that can be consolidated.

According to him, the coalition is further strengthened by the involvement of political heavyweights such as Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, making it a formidable opposition alliance.

“The candidates who placed second, third, and even fourth are aligning. That naturally builds a strong challenge,” Momodu said, suggesting that this development could unsettle the APC ahead of 2027.

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He also accused the Tinubu administration of centralising power and undermining democratic processes, claiming that key institutions—including the legislature and electoral system—are increasingly influenced by the executive arm of government. He warned that such a trend poses risks to Nigeria’s democracy.

Momodu further alleged that opposition parties face systemic obstacles, including difficulties in accessing venues, legal pressures, and institutional interference. He argued that these challenges have made opposition unity not just strategic, but necessary.

Dismissing concerns about possible cracks within the ADC coalition, Momodu described such fears as speculative, insisting that current political realities have effectively forced major opposition figures to work together.

“Political survival has made unity inevitable. The enemy of your enemy is your friend,” he said.

Responding to claims that the ADC has become a platform for displaced politicians, Momodu maintained that the coalition is driven by a shared commitment to democracy, not personal ambition. He emphasized that his criticism of the current government is based on principle rather than personal differences.

He also raised concerns about internal party democracy, alleging that candidate imposition across states reflects excessive central control, which could weaken Nigeria’s political system if left unchecked.

Despite ongoing legal disputes within the party, Momodu insisted that the ADC remains law-abiding and committed to due process.

Looking ahead, he said the opposition’s message to Nigerians will focus on restoring democratic values, strengthening institutions, and ensuring inclusive governance.

Atiku–Obi Ticket ‘Best Bet’ to Unseat APC in 2027 – Dele Momodu

Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a “Scam”

Former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has launched a fierce political attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda as a “classic scam” and calling for his resignation over worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

Aregbesola made the remarks during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention in Abuja, where he currently serves as National Secretary of the party. His speech was sharply critical of the ruling administration, the electoral system, and Nigeria’s economic direction.

He accused the government of failing to deliver on key promises made to Nigerians, insisting that the country is experiencing worsening hardship, rising insecurity, and deepening poverty under the current leadership.

According to him, the situation in the country reflects a “collapse of governance priorities,” arguing that the promises of economic recovery in Nigeria, energy stability, and improved living conditions have not been fulfilled.

Aregbesola also called for President Tinubu’s resignation, arguing that a leader who fails to meet campaign promises—especially on security and welfare—should step aside rather than seek re-election.

He said the ADC is positioning itself as a “rescue mission” aimed at restoring accountability and rebuilding public trust in governance, adding that Nigerians are tired of what he described as deception and mismanagement in leadership.

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During his address, he also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of normalising electoral misconduct and undermining democratic standards. He further alleged that the political environment has been weakened by what he called poor governance practices.

Aregbesola claimed that economic indicators have worsened under the current administration, pointing to sharp increases in the exchange rate and fuel prices. He argued that the naira has significantly depreciated compared to its value at the start of the Tinubu administration in 2023, while fuel prices have surged, increasing the cost of living.

He said these developments have placed severe pressure on households and businesses, especially in an import-dependent economy, worsening inflation and reducing purchasing power across the country.

On security, Aregbesola expressed concern over continued attacks, kidnappings, and communal violence across several regions, saying the government has not demonstrated enough capacity to address the crisis. He described the situation as evidence of “state failure in critical areas of governance.”

He also raised concerns about the education sector, claiming that the number of out-of-school children has increased significantly, and warned that Nigeria risks long-term socio-economic consequences if urgent reforms are not implemented.

Aregbesola further criticised the power sector, saying electricity supply remains unstable despite repeated government promises. He argued that many parts of the country still experience prolonged blackouts, undermining productivity and economic growth.

He maintained that the ADC is committed to political reform and national rebuilding, urging Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current system to support the party’s “rescue agenda.”

Aregbesola concluded his remarks by warning against what he described as continued national decline, insisting that urgent leadership change is necessary to prevent further deterioration of governance and living standards.

As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the ruling All Progressives Congress regarding the comments.

Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a “Scam”